Nancy Cooper  was born July 9, 1934 in Key West Florida. She was the daughter of William Warren Sawyer and Nellie Bethel Sawyer, both Key West natives,  and sibling to George Frank Sawyer and Donna Sawyer Dean. She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings, and by her loving husband of 67 years, James Robert (Bobby) Cooper. Meeting the summer before their senior year in high school, they became high school sweethearts. They both graduated in 1952, Nancy from the Convent of Mary Immaculate and Bobby from Key West High School and were married at St. Mary's Star of the Sea Catholic Church in 1953.  Following graduation, Bobby started Cooper's Body Shop and Nancy joined him helping it to grow into a successful business. She is survived by her children Vicki Cooper, Jeanmarie Woods, Stephanie Walters, Nancy Cooper, and Warren Cooper; her grandchildren, who lovingly called her "Mumsie", Jonathan Gonzalez, Lauren Thompson, Michaela Gonzalez, Jordan Sangerman, Brendan Sangerman, Shayne Brindisi, Kit Reynolds; and her five great grandchildren. Throughout her life, through a multitude of ministries that she helped to start, Nancy witnessed to the people of this community. Along with her sister Donna Dean and Patti Cabrera, Nancy ministered to the elderly who were shut-ins touching the lives of so many. Founded by Father John McFadden, a lifelong friend, with the help of her sister Donna Dean, Patti Cabrera and Norma Renner,  "The Light of Christ Prayer  Group" was started. For over 40 years they ministered to the sick and infirm, supporting and guiding both the ill, their families, and their loved ones. For over 35 years Nancy fed those less fortunate than most. Her ministry, humbly, started from distributing sandwiches from the back of a gentlemen's station wagon at the Salvation Army and grew into St. Mary's Soup Kitchen and later S.O.S. ministries. Nancy enlisted four generations of her family, including her mother, eldest daughter, youngest daughter and three grandchildren who all spent over 15 years supporting those in need. In her last years,  she continued to minister to her fellow peers, the residents of the Palm Vista nursing facility, and to all the staff including front desk, kitchen, laundry, janitorial support, CNA's, nurses and administrators. Nancy was, at her core, a woman of faith. It was her belief that God had placed her on this earth to be a witness to others. A caregiver, unrelenting and without judgment, Nancy was a woman who looked at you with her beautiful ocean blue eyes.  Although she could  see your misgivings, your failures, and your fears, Nancy had a boundless well of acceptance and love for the light that she saw in your heart. More importantly she helped you to see that light within you. She allowed people to witness, positively, to themselves. It was her greatest gift. She will be forever missed by those whose lives were touched by her love.

Funeral mass will be held at 2:45 p.m. on Saturday June 21st, 2025 at The Basilica of St. Mary Star of the Sea.  Visitation will be held at Dean-Lopez Funeral Home 418 Simonton Street Key West, FL on Friday June 20th starting at 6:00 p.m. with prayer service and rosary to follow.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Renewing The Light Of Hope renovation project at The Basilica of St. Mary Star of the Sea.