Wanda Rae (McClellan) Cooper

Palmer resident Wanda Rae (McClellan) Cooper, 85, died Dec. 30, 2012, of complications from surgery.

A celebration of Wanda’s life is at 3 p.m., Jan. 19 at the Palmer Moose Lodge No. 793, 1136 S. Cobb St., in Palmer. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Palmer Moose Lodge.

Wanda was born in Concrete, Wash., to Robert and Laura McClellan on June 8, 1927. She moved from Washington to Alaska in 1935 at age 8 with her mom after losing her dad in a tragic hunting accident. Wanda met the love of her life, David Cooper Sr., while working on Fort Richardson as a secretary during World War II. They married on Feb. 22, 1946, and brought three sons into the world.

Wanda lived in Ninilchik with her husband and sons from 1951-65. She was also an original charter member of the American Auxiliary Post No. 18 in Ninilchik. She later retired as a telephone operator in 1980. Wanda was an active member of the Palmer Moose Lodge, where she ranked as a Senior Regent. She enjoyed playing Krazy Bee Rummy, quilting, knitting and was especially known for her clam chowder, fried clams and French pancakes. Wanda loved to spend her summers at her family’s commercial fishing site “Humpy Point” with her Moose Club camping group.

A former neighbor of Wanda’s said, “Wanda was like a second mom to me when I was a little girl and she was our neighbor. She taught me how to knit one purl one and was very patient with a little girl. I remember snuggling up to her on the couch and feeling very safe, loved and secure. She will be greatly missed.”

Preceding her in death were her parents; and husband, David Cooper Sr.

Surviving are her three sons, David Cooper Jr. of Palmer, Darryl Cooper of Palmer and Gary Cooper of Ninilchik; grandchildren, Heidi Boensch of Big Lake, Michelle Cooper of Anchorage, Dewayne Cooper of Palmer, Zena Disney of Valdez, Darin Cooper of Anchorage, Bouy Cooper of Roy, Wash., Kimberly Turner of Santa Maria, Calif., Gary Michael Cooper Jr. of Ninilchik, Valley Lardent of Anchorage and Connor Cooper of Soldotna; great-grandchildren; and many extended family and friends.

Arrangements were by the Anchorage Funeral Home. An obituary and guestbook are online at AlaskanFuneral.com.