Christine Marie Cooper

Christine “Chris” Cooper, 62, of Maple City, Michigan, passed away on Thursday, February 2, 2023. Chris was born on August 18, 1960, in Muskegon, Michigan, to the late Judith (Hill) and Wallace Jensen. Chris was the oldest of three children. Judy and Wallace raised Chris and her brothers, Brian and Andrew, in Muskegon and also in the Chicago area for a brief time. Chris graduated from North Muskegon High School and attended Muskegon Community College. She became a surgical tech and surgical assistant, a career that spanned several decades. She worked at Hackley Hospital in Muskegon, and in private practice. During her time working at Hackley, she met her husband, Dr. Raymond Cooper. Chris and Ray were married for more than 30 years. They traveled a lot and had many adventures together during those decades. Chris often said that her German Shorthaired Pointers were her children, and colleagues joked they’d like to be one of Chris’ dogs in another life, because of how much she adored her dogs and how well fed they were. Chris also loved Siamese cats, goats and horses. Chris and Ray lived together in Muskegon, Rockford, and Maple City, Michigan, and Nye, Montana. Chris loved warm, sunny days at the beach, especially walks and bonfires on the beach with her family. The beaches at Glen Haven and Empire were her favorites. She liked taking her dogs to the beach and chatting with other dog owners there. Chris loved striking up conversations with strangers and turning those strangers into friends. In her younger days, Chris enjoyed running, golfing and downhill skiing. She kept beautiful gardens and also kept all the neighborhood birds well fed. She loved the Great Lakes and northern Michigan, traveling, boating, suspenseful movies, and music, especially classical, choral and rock n’ roll. Chris had an infectious laugh and enthusiastic spirit. She preferred to make her own rules in life. She was a thoughtful gift giver and had such a generous heart. She made a point of making visitors their favorite meals, and she always created fun experiences for her grandkids, keeping them supplied with games, s’mores, and backyard fireworks. She attended First Congregational Church in Muskegon and Suttons Bay Congregational Church. Christine is survived by her beloved husband, Dr. Raymond Cooper; her stepchildren, Dr. Alan Cooper and wife Jami, Dr. Amy Cooper, and Arthur Cooper and wife Rebecca; her grandsons Gabriel and Maxwell Cooper, and granddaughter Grace Cooper; her brothers, Brian and Andrew Jensen, and niece Emma Jensen; along with a loving extended family, many friends, and her dog, Greta. She was preceded in death by her parents, Wallace and Judy Jensen, and son-in-law Beaux Mullikin. A private family memorial service will take place later this year. The family would like to thank the ICU staff at Munson Medical Center for their excellent care of Christine. In lieu of flowers, donations in Chris’ honor may be given to Leelanau Christian Neighbors at leelanauchristianneighbors.org. Please feel free to share your thoughts and memories with Christine’s family at her tribute page at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com. The family is being cared for by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Christine Marie Cooper

August 18, 1960 - February 2, 2023