Amy L. (Lusk) Cooper

Amy L. Cooper of Bluffton, SC passed away peacefully at the age of 97 on January 21, 2024. At the time of her passing, Amy was a much-loved resident of Benton House Memory Care in Bluffton.

Amy Virginia Lusk was born in Zelienople PA on December 11, 1926, the youngest daughter of Margaret Mae and George A. Lusk. She had five older siblings, all of whom preceded her in death:  Louis G. Lusk, Ann Boyer (Ken), Jeanne Rupp (Fred), Georgia Mae Marshall (John), and her beloved brother Jack K. Lusk who was killed in action in World War II at age 20.  As a young girl, Amy loved reading, singing, giggling with her sisters, and her family’s pet dogs.  None of that changed as she grew older!  She worked briefly after graduating from Zelienople High School, and was active in local theater.  She married Russell B. Cooper in 1949, and together they raised 3 children.  Russell’s career took the family to various parts of the country, including New Jersey, Wisconsin, and Virginia, where they both made and sustained many close friendships. She was an active church member, served as a volunteer at nearby hospitals, worked as a Human Resources assistant for over 5 years at Sears in New Castle PA, and as support staff in a medical office in Freehold NJ.  Amy was an avid reader who enjoyed traveling, playing bridge and pinochle, visits and card games with friends and family, and being a caring mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She did daily crossword puzzles (even the hard ones!) and was a formidable opponent in any word game. When she and her husband relocated to Sun City Hilton Head, they continued to make many new friends and enjoy both new and familiar activities. She became a life master in bridge, and learned to play and enjoy regular games of mahjong with her friends. She especially loved traveling with friends for bridge tournaments. When her husband passed away in 2017, Amy found herself living alone for the first time in her life. It wasn’t long before a little rescue dog named Ava found her new forever home with Amy, and they adored and supported each other for the next 5 years.

Amy is survived by her 3 children: Nancy Cooper of Seattle WA, Jack Cooper (Kelly) of North Little Rock AR, and Jeffrey Cooper of Bluffton SC.  She is also survived by her 4 grandchildren: Jason, Caitlin Willis (Henry), Michael, and Katy, as well as 6 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.  Amy was dearly loved and cared for by Benton House Memory Care staff since she entered the facility in August 2022. She will be deeply missed by her family and by all who knew and cherished her kind heart, her irrepressible humor, and her big smile.

No public services are planned, but a small graveside ceremony will be held. Amy will be buried in Zelienople PA near her parents and her sisters Ann and Georgia Mae. Remembrances may be made to your local animal shelter.