Debra A. Cooper 1959-2025

Born in Youngstown, Debra spent most of her life in nearby Canfield, where she raised her beloved family with her children’s father, Rick, and built many lifelong friendships. In her later years, she made her home in Chesapeake, Virginia, where she was surrounded by the love of her daughter Amanda’s family.

Debra was a devoted mother to Amanda (Jim) Vallos, Ricky (Sara) Cooper and Julie (Brett Bulkley) Cooper; a cherished grandmother to Elizabeth and Cooper Vallos, Ethan and Madison Cooper, and Greyson Bulkley; and a loving sister to Dave (Dee) Kanotz and Dwayne (Karen) Kanotz. She was also a treasured aunt to many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Mary and Julius Kanotz.

Debra earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from St. Elizabeth’s College of Nursing and served as a registered nurse for many years. She was known for her compassion, her strength and her ability to care for others with both skill and kindness.

She had a deep love for animals and was rarely without a dog by her side — most recently her puppy, Miles, and her cherished toy Yorkie, Toby.

She was exceptionally witty, loved to laugh and had a gift for telling jokes that made others smile. Debra found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She especially loved taking her grandson Greyson to Mill Creek Park and the Firestone swimming pool.

Her final weeks were filled with peace — drinking her morning coffee outside, watching horses and chickens, smelling flowers and playing fetch with her grandchildren’s dog. And she never missed a night of “Wheel of Fortune” with her grandchildren — even when they started to win.

A deeply private person, Debra never wanted a fuss made over her.

In keeping with her wishes, there will be no formal funeral service.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to MPN Research Foundation in her memory.

www.tmcfunding.com/funds/debra-cooper-memorial-fund/13369/

www.omanfh.com

(special notice)