Julianne Cooper

Julianne ‘Julie’ Cooper (Ducommun), age 79, passed away the morning of March 17, 2025. She was born June 5, 1945, in Seattle, Washington, before her family moved to California where Julie attended Los Angeles High School and then Polytechnic High School in San Francisco. After graduation, Julie attended San Francisco State University where she met her future husband, Richard ‘Michael’ Cooper, and majored in American Studies.

Julie, Michael, and their sons David and Joel moved to Kansas in 1974, where both parents earned their master's in education from Emporia State University. They moved to Salina where Julie taught elementary and middle school for nine years before continuing her education at Emporia. After earning her Master's of Science in Education, Julie moved to Lawrence where she became Assistant Director of Financial Aid at the University of Kansas, before finishing her career in education as Director of Financial Aid at Johnson County Community College.

Education was Julie's passion. Whether she was in the classroom helping every child succeed or working with students of all ages to pursue a college education, Julie was unwavering in her patience, compassion, and attention to the needs of everyone she met. She believed that education was the foundation for a happy and fulfilling life, and that learning didn't have to stop, no matter one's age.

Julie's recent struggle with cancer and chronic health issues ended peacefully at home with Michael at her side. She is preceded in death by father Lloyd, mother Imogene, and brother Ronald. She is survived by husband Michael, sons David (Pam) and Joel (Jane), grandchildren Olivia (Marcus) and Benjamin, and grandson Johannes.

Her life touched so many others, but Julie's most important and lasting gift was a love of learning and a firm belief that all children were born with the desire to learn. There was nothing more satisfying than helping students continue their education and unlock their own potential. In celebration of Julie's life, the family will have a private remembrance in April.