Norena Cooper Obituary (1932

Norena Marie Cooper, born to William and Norena Harrington in Hollywood, California, was nicknamed Dede by Bills mother, Emilie, after the musical and mystical incantations that were Dedes first spoken sounds and befitted her birth on Halloween in 1932. Dedes magical life continued when she was bestowed a sash in the Sears, Roebuck and Co. National Baby Contest of 1934. As the first grandchild of the Martinos, who lived nearby, Dede was doted on by her maternal Italian grandmother, Anina. New births to the family allowed Dede to assume the role of elder and she helped to watch over siblings Diana and Michael and cousins Victor, Nina, Therine, Doreen, John, Kimberly, and Dennis at holiday celebrations and on vacations at "the ranch", where hiking and swimming were the order of the day. Dedes love of horses started on Saturday mornings at The Hitching Post (All Western Theatre) and along with her faithful companions, Diana, and Victor, they watched the serials of their favorite singing cowboy, Gene Autry. Griffith Park became the backdrop for Dede to develop her skills as an able equestrian. Dede began her formal education at Valley View Elementary School, and she continued on to Blessed Sacrament School. Her educational experience culminated at Immaculate Heart High School where little sister, Diana, literally, followed in her footsteps. Their school days started with a race down the hill from their home in Hollywood. Dede, in the lead by a length, would jump aboard the stationary streetcar and detain it long enough for Diana to embark. Their routine played daily and was always polished up by the conductors feigned annoyance and his active admonitions of the sisters act. Yet, their antics never became formulaic. Norena began her work life early and became part of the defense industries post World War II transition to civilian enterprises at Hydro-Aire, Inc. and the Litton Data Systems Division of Litton Industries, Inc. After a transfer to Boeing Seattle, Norena and her husband, George, reconnected with their love of riding and started a second job and passion project of racing, training, breeding, and boarding horses. In 1961, George and Norena became the proud owners of their first thoroughbred Sir Hank, which was followed by the purchase of Foxy Lorraine and Keely Kelly. In 1962, the Calvary Gold Creek of Woodinville, Washington arrived. Capitan George Cooper was the drill master and Norena acted as his trusty sidekick. The Gold Creek Calvarys motto read, "Citizenship * Horsemanship * Adventure". George and Norena eventually settled in Yakima and after a lifetime of long days earning an honest living, Norena retired from the working world at age 70. In her leisure time, Norena demonstrated her athletic aptitude in bowling leagues and softball series and her artistic abilities were expressed through painting and sewing. Norena was also kept busy taking care of her abundant acreage and her riding lawnmower became the stuff of legend, so much so that visiting relatives, such as Cousin Dennis, made sure that they, too, took it for a spin. Her kindness came out in the caretaking of her, at times, many cats. Her cleanliness allowed for only two indoor cats and her compassion accounted for the countless outdoor cats, since she found it difficult to turn away any stray. In her golden years, good friends, Debbie Miller and Jeff Copeland, both looked out for Norena and kept her entertained. In lieu of flowers or donations, please simply remember Dede in your prayers and toast a life well lived. Salute! Happy Trails to You! A Graveside Service will be held on Tuesday, December 7, 2021 at 12:00pm at San Fernando Mission Cemetery (11160 Stranwood Avenue, Mission Hills, California 91345). Graveside Service San Fernando Mission Cemetery Tuesday, December 7, 2021 12:00 PM 11160 Stranwood Avenue Mission Hills, CA 91345