Frances Vigil Cooper

Frances V. Cooper, age 62, of Los Alamos, New Mexico, fought a valiant battle against brain cancer for over 16 years. She succumbed to the disease on Friday, May 9, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. A loving and devoted wife and a proud mother, beloved daughter and daughter-in-law, treasured sister, caring aunty and loyal friend. Frances leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness and unwavering compassion. She was a devout Catholic servant of God who shared her time and devotion in the adoration ministry.

Frances Cooper graduated in 1980 from Espanola Valley High School and lettered in volleyball and softball. Joined the US Marine Corp and served as a Marine Sargent from 1980 to 1988, received her bachelor’s degree from Southern Illinois University in 1987, worked for General Dynamics and retired after 25 years. She grew up in the community of El Guache, moved to Oceanside, California and returned to New Mexico in 2003.

She was known throughout her community for her generosity, her loving spirit, and the way she made everyone feel seen and valued. Family was at the heart of everything she did. She found immense joy in spending time with her mother and her mother-in-law, sisters, family and friends; always putting others before herself as she gave her love unconditionally.

She is preceded in death by her father, Mike P. Vigil and father-in-law Robert B. Cooper; her brother, Matthew M. Vigil, grandparents Gusman and Tonita Vigil (Godparents) and Margarito and Sirila War, great-nephew Silas Hernandez, and deceased aunts and uncles.

She is survived by her husband, William J. Cooper, married 34 years; and her sons, William (Billy) and Aoi Cooper, and Gary Cooper. Her mother, Virginia Vigil, mother-in-law, Beverly Cooper and sisters: Christine (Fabian) Padilla, Anna (Leroy) Martinez, Lucy (Anthony) Rendon, Margaret (Dennis) Trujillo, Sadie (Matthew) Valdez, Joselene (Lonnie) Montoya, Barbara (Vernon) Vigil, Tonie (Gabriel) Baros, and brother Michael Vigil; by her sister-in-law Myra Vigil, brother-in-law’s, Kenneth (Robin) Cooper, Daniel (Rachel) Cooper, Robert (Vivian) Cooper, many nieces, nephews, cousins, Tio’s and Tia’s.

A rosary and Christian Mass will be celebrated at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Los Alamos, NM on Thursday, May 22, 2025, at 10:00 am, mass to follow at 11:00 am, with the Christian burial to follow at 3:00 pm, at the San Jose Catholic Cemetery in Hernandez, NM.

Serving as Honorary pallbearers: Billy & Gary Cooper, Zac & Lonnie Montoya, Dennis Lee Trujillo, Sarah Rael and Ronan Vigil.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Espanola Humane Society – espanolahumane.org, in honor of Fran’s love for family and her love for all who she encountered.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Michelle W. Carr, MD, Amber Care, and to the Mayo AZ Clinic, for their care.

Fran’s legacy of love, faith, and service will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing her. May she rest in eternal peace.

The family of Frances Cooper has entrusted the care of their loved one to Rivera Family Funeral Home & Crematory of the beautiful Espanola Valley.