Elsie Colvin Cooper

Long-time Alaskan, Elsie Colvin Cooper, passed away the morning of August 12, 2020 at the age of 88. Elsie was born on May 23, 1932 in Savannah, Georgia to Beatrice Mitchell and Richard Colvin. She moved to Alaska in 1961 where she met and married Felix B. Cooper. 

Alaska was the perfect place for young Elsie, a Georgia girl fond of the outdoors, to adventure and exploe. She began her Alaskan career fulfilling her passion of the outdoors by selling sporting goods at Gambell Street Hardware for fifteen years and later moving a short distance to start as a cashier at Carrs grocery store. 

Elsie was known to state her mind in a witty, yet deliberate way. No one could compete with her when it came to game shows, or the amount of bingo sheets she could play at once. She knew the answers to any game show puzzle or question before the contestants. Elsies heart was as vast as her wisdom. Her love spread beyond her immediate family to include the wonderful warehouse team at V.F. Grace, where her husband, Felix, worked, and she was part of an inseparable sisterhood among her wonderful friends: LaVerne Wilson, Nell Zimmerman, Barbara Taylor, Idella Weaver, and Cora Weaver. She exuded great generosity while volunteering at Anchorage Presbyterian Hospital and was known to frequently donate goods to various organizations. 

Elsie is preceded in death by her husband, Felix B. Cooper; daughter, Beatrice Lewis; and siblings: Janet Berksteiner, Richard Colvin Jr., and Richardine Jackson. She is survived by her son, Keith Cooper; daughter, Melody Cooper; brother, Walter Colvin; sister, Dr. Luetta Milledge; 12 grandchildren, and many great grandchildren.

Elsie exhibited great bravery and strength throughout her life. She is dearly missed by all. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to a local charity. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a Celebration of Life will be scheduled at a later date. Her family will post updates on the celebration of her life on this website.