Marguerite Shirley Cooper

Marguerite (“Billie”) Shirley Pagni Cooper of Albuquerque, NM passed away peacefully on September 11, 2023.  Billie was born on January 14^th, 1928, in Chicago, Illinois to William and Florence Pagni.  Billie lived in Elmhurst, Illinois during her early years with her parents where she enjoyed being a ballet toe dancer and all things Chicago. During World War II her and her parents moved to Winslow, Arizona where William worked for the Santa Fe Railroad. After the war she moved back to Illinois and Billie graduated from York High in Elmhurst, in 1946. Billie moved to Albuquerque in the 1950’s where she raised 3 children. After the children were grown Billie was a teacher’s aide for Albuquerque Public Schools for over 10 years. She attended church regularly and loved to garden growing tomatoes and pumpkins with pride.  She was an avid reader and especially loved mystery novels.

She is survived by her sister Donna Knepper, her husband Jerry Knepper and their children nephew Dr Jordan Knepper and niece Chelsea Maher. Son Randy Cooper, his wife Linda Cooper, granddaughters Jennifer Cooper and Melissa Cooper; Daughter Wendy Cooper-Snow, granddaughter Meagan Snow and her wife Jenny Snell; granddaughter Kasey (Snow) Hines, her husband JP Hines and great-granddaughter Lilyana; Son Terry Cooper and partner Barbara Serna; grandchildren Zachary Cooper and wife Dr. Sydney Cooper; Zoe (Cooper) Bolack, her husband Bryce Bolack and great-granddaughter Sage. A memorial will be held at Daniels Family Chapel 7601 Wyoming Blvd NE on September 20^th at 10:30 AM. In lieu of flowers please send donations to the American Diabetes Association.