Marilee Cooper
With broken hearts and boundless love, we announce the passing of Marilee Cooper, a radiant soul, fierce fighter, and beloved friend and mother who left this world far too soon, at 62 years old, after a courageous battle with breast cancer. She passed surrounded by her children in Wichita, Kansas.
Marilee was a force: driven and full of life. Known for her thoughtfulness, unmatched work ethic, and contagious laugh, she approached everything she did with passion and purpose. Her strength was unwavering, her spirit unbreakable, and her smile-oh, her smile-could light up any room.
As an award winning and successful pharmaceutical sales representative and medical science liaison for 25 years, her drive and determination inspired those around her. Her colleagues respected her leadership, her loyalty, and her drive. She spent much of her free time being a mentor to others and how to be successful in their careers.
Marilee was warm and created a sense of welcome. She took great pride in decorating her home to the extreme for every holiday and season. She loved hosting gatherings and celebrations. Her thoughtfulness was prevalent as the way she loved people was by spoiling them and giving gifts. Marilee found a hobby in the later years of making lotions and soaps in which she found great joy in gifting to those around her.
Her family, especially her 5 granddaughters, were the center of her world. Her love for them was the foundation of everything she did.
Even in her fight with cancer, Marilee remained true to herself: strong, hopeful, and never one to back down. She defied all odds countless times and had an inspiring will to live. She faced her illness with grace and grit, never allowing it to define her or dim her spirit.
Marilee leaves behind a legacy of excellence, passion, and resilience. She is preceded in death by her father, Raymond Vines; her mother, Margaret (Peg) Vines; and her sister, Jennifer Smith. Marilee is survived by her son, Scott (Erin) Cooper; her daughter, Katie (Dalton) Gould; her siblings, Melissa Vines, Monte (Kim) Vines, Claudia (Jim) Severance, Ross Vines, and Rebecca Vines; her granddaughters, Gianna Cooper, Bethany Cooper, Dolorosa Cooper, Flannery Cooper, and Delaney Gould who will carry forward her memory in every act of kindness, every moment of strength, and every burst of joy.
A funeral service will be held on Monday, June 9th, 2025, at 10:30 am at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Colwich. A rosary will be held right before at the same location at 10:00 am. Graveside service will be 12:00 pm, Monday, June 9, 2025, at Maple Grove Cemetery, Wichita. All who were touched by her light are welcome to join us in honoring her.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Wichita Cancer Foundation, 1035 North Emporia Avenue, Suite 195, Wichita, KS 67214 or Victory in the Valley, Inc, 3755 East Douglas, Wichita, KS 67218 in her name-a tribute to her fight and to the hope she carried for others.
Though Marilee is no longer with us, her spirit lives on-in every laugh, every hug, and every beautiful step forward.
Rest peacefully, Marilee. Thank you for everything.
Services in care of Downing & Lahey West Mortuary.
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Marilee was certainly a gem. She lived life on her terms and was a joy to be with. I will miss her dearly and cherish the lotion she made as a reminder of her love and beautiful heart. My deepest condolences to her family.
Ann Lindquist
Marilee was a super fun pen pal and I loved our virtual tea parties. I will miss her.
Love,
Rebecca Reeve
I will miss you Marilee!
Marilee was a blessing to so many people. She lived in my neighborhood but I only met her in August 2020 when I was recovering from a concussion and beginning to slowly take walks again. She zipped by me on her daily “fast” walk, and turned back around to check on me and encouraged me and walked with me. I saw her a few times after that and she would check on my improvement. In May 2021, I thought I saw her walking by, but this woman was walking slowly and had a turban on like a cancer patient might wear. I went out the next evening when I saw her walking by again and was saddened to hear that she had cancer. I asked her what I could do to help her journey and she asked if I could hold her accountable for walking. Thus began our “walking together” almost daily. Her determination to “beat cancer” was truly incredible. I learned so much from her and loved hearing her stories about her childhood and family life. She fiercely loved her children and was so thrilled to have grandchildren and share her love of reading and tea parties with them.
Please be assured of my prayers for each of you as you grieve. Kim, thanks for going above and beyond being a sister in law. You were appreciated.
Eternal rest, grant unto Marilee, oh Lord, and let your perpetual light shine upon her. May her soul rest in peace. Amen.
God bless you, Evelyn
Rest in peace, Marilee.
Im so shocked. Merrilee and I were classmates at North and played on the Tennis Team together. She was a vibrant individual, smiling all the time and had that giggle of hers. We were friends too and she was a special person. We did lose touch after high school but I ran into her several times and she hadnt changed smiling and energetic and we discussed our kids etc. I am so sorry to hear of her passing. My sincere condolences to her children, grandchildren and siblings. You truly have an angel eatching over you. May perpetual light shine upon her.
An old tennis buddy and friend
Lisa M. Ornelas
I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Marilee for years, not only through work, but as a true and beloved friend and “mama” to many. She always put her “kids” first and was such a fighter throughout her cancer battle, We shared many stories and prayers during her chemo treatments when she was first diagnosed. Her children and grandchildren were what she lived for, and her beautiful smile always lit up the room. Her homemade lotions and soaps were also amazing and brought out her artistic talents. You will be missed…rest in peace, dear friend ✝️ 💝 🙏
Today, we remember someone whose presence touched our lives in the quietest, kindest, and most loving way.
My dear friend Marilee was more than just a friend, she was a mentor, a penpal, a companion in laughter and sorrow, and a constant source of warmth and wisdom.
Marilee had a magical way of connecting with people, especially with my daughter. Their penpal letters were filled with imagination and care, little treasures that now carry even more meaning. They shared tea parties full of stories and giggles, moments that will forever be cherished.
To me, she was someone I could always count on. Marilee listened without judgment, and offered guidance from a place of deep compassion. She always knew the right thing to say that helped guide me through many of life’s twists and turns. Marilee lived her life with a ray of determination and strength. Dealing with her own struggles but yet never giving up. Marilee gave of herself freely, never asking for anything from me in return. Whether you knew her for decades or just a short time, you felt her goodness, strength and her desire to continually learn and grow.
Though she may be gone from this world, her spirit lives on in every kind word she spoke, every letter she wrote, every cup of tea poured with love. I miss you dearly Marilee and will cherish the memories i have of you.
Until we see each other again, i will hold you in my ❤️.
Amy