Eleanor Cooley, 80

Eleanor Mae Cooley, age 80, of rural Vicksburg, died Tuesday, May 25, 2021 at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo following a long illness. She was born in Vicksburg on July 7, 1940 the daughter of Westley M. and Louisa M. (Harriger) Copenhafer and was a lifetime resident of the area. She graduated from Vicksburg High School with the class of 1958 and was a member of the marching band. She was married to Fred DeYoung on Nov. 1, 1958; they were later divorced. Eleanor was employed as an inspector at Upjohn Pharmaceuticals in Kalamazoo for over thirty years. She remained active in the Vicksburg Alumni Association and enjoyed creating ceramic arts and bird-watching. She was married to Richard Cooley in Vicksburg on Dec. 1, 1984. They enjoyed life at the family homestead and hosting family Christmases until Richard’s passing in 2012.

Eleanor is survived by her daughter, Sheryle (Bruce) Novencido-Sage of Mendon; four step-children, Mark Cooley, Kevin Cooley, and Ted Cooley all of Kalamazoo and Kim (Jeff) Smith of Vicksburg; nine grandchildren, Jim (Sara) Novencido, Jeremiah (Megan) Novencido, Travis (Jami) Sage, Shauna (Chris) Dantzler, Mike (Melanie) DeYoung, Chelsea (Nick) DeRyke, Katie Cosby, Dustin Finley, and Alexis Smith; several great-grandchildren; sister and best friend, Arlene Miller and sisters, Geraldine Fries and Bonnie Russell; and by her feline family.

In keeping with her wishes, cremation has been conducted. Private interment will be in Mendon Cemetery. A public memorial service will take place later and will be announced by the Eickhoff Funeral Home of Mendon. It is suggested that memorial contributions be directed to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals at www.spcaswmich.org. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.eickhofffuneralhome.com