Lasting Memories

Nathalie Cooper
Oct. 26, 1923-May 31, 2011
Portola Valley, California

Nathalie Cooper, who devoted her life to educating the children of Portola Valley, died peacefully on May 31, 2011. Nathalie was born in St. Francisville, Illinois, on October 26, 1923, and grew up there on the farm of her parents, Dorothy and Randall Brooke. She often spoke of the beauty of the countryside, the closeness of the community and the satisfaction of enjoying food grown on the farm.

Nathalie moved to California, attended the University of Southern California, and began teaching in Portola Valley in 1948 while her husband, John Cooper, attended Stanford Law School. At that time, Portola Valley was a farming community with two small school buildings, a gas pump, a Catholic church, and a bar across from the school where the patrons made way for the children to have lunch. Transportation to school was on foot, horseback and car pool. The school was the center for community gatherings. Generations of children began their formal education in Mrs. Cooper's kindergarten class. Although Nathalie had many opportunities to travel and to live abroad with her husband John, who became head of the legal department for Varian, teaching children was her main joy.

After her retirement in 1982, Mrs. Cooper continued to live in Portola Valley. Her former students remained devoted to her and would visit her home, sometimes bringing their own children. She remembered every one and would tell stories of their days in kindergarten.

The Coopers were gracious and generous hosts. Their beautiful home, with a view of the western foothills, was the venue for many memorable events for friends and colleagues.

In 2008, after the death of her husband, Nathalie returned to live at her family farm in St. Francisville, Illinois, to be close to her nephew, John Randall Brooke, his wife, Darla Brooke, and their sons, Thomas and Wesley. Nathalie enjoyed being home again. The Brooke family cared for Nathalie in her last years and especially during her final bout with cancer.

Gifts in memory of Nathalie Brooke Cooper may be made to Windmill School, the Portola Valley pre-school, and Wabash Cemetery Association, Brooke/Cooper Garden.

Windmill School, 4141 Alpine Road, Portola Valley, CA 94028

Wabash Cemetery Association, 11188 North 2300 Blvd, Allendale, IL 62410

The Brooke family is grateful for your remembrance.