Ava (Greenberg) Cooper, 81, of St. Louis, Missouri, passed away on May 12, 2025, ending a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. She was a beloved wife, sister, mother, aunt, grandmother, and friend.
Ava was born in Davenport, Iowa, on December 16, 1943, to Joseph and Frances Greenberg. She grew up in Rock Island, Illinois, and graduated from the University of Minnesota. After college, she moved to New York City, where she met her future husband, Bill Cooper. They were married for 58 years and raised their family with deep love and steady commitment.
In 1973, Ava and Bill moved from the East Coast to St. Louis, where they decided to put down roots. Over the decades, Ava became a devoted member of the community and built lasting relationships with neighbors, friends, and extended family.
Ava was known for her vibrant personality, playful wit, dauntlessness, generosity, and strong will. She had a lifelong passion for dance, music, and theater — interests she pursued with energy and joy. She was deeply committed to her family and will be remembered as a tireless advocate and caretaker for both her immediate family and the larger circle of people she supported.
She showed remarkable strength and tenderness in caring for her father, visiting him nearly every day — often twice a day — for the 20 years he lived at the Jewish Center for Aged. She would later face her own 20-year battle with Alzheimer’s with the same grit and determination.
Ava is survived by her loving husband, Bill Cooper; her three children, Aaron (Danielle Lee), Chad (Claire Ellis), and Daria; and her cherished grandchildren, Sammy and Henry Cooper. Ava was predeceased by her sister, Gloria Harrosh.
Graveside services were held at Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery on May 15, 2025. Her memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved her deeply. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Voyce St. Louis (www.voycestl.org) or the Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Missouri (www.alz.org/greatermissouri).
A RINDSKOPF-ROTH SERVICE
