Margaret Cooper

Margaret "Gerry" Garland Cooper passed away peacefully on March 7, 2026, surrounded by family and close friends. She was 76. Gerry was born in Pittsburgh on June 15, 1949, to Margaret Gerry Garland and Gregory Gray Garland Jr. She attended Winchester Thurston School and later graduated from Hollins College. While in college she met the love of her life, James W. Cooper, "Jimmy." They were happily married for 54 years. Whether watching a favorite TV movie, traveling, or playing a competitive game of gin, they loved being in one another's company and shared many interests throughout their lives. Gerry had an exceptional eye for design and a remarkable talent for decorating. She worked for Louise Muse Interiors, eventually buying the company and operating it for many years as Cooper Interior Design. She was gifted at making simple spaces elegant and inviting. Gerry later turned her creativity to retail, owning and operating two stores Amica, a home accents store, and Zazzie, a clothing boutique. She and Jimmy traveled extensively and spent a great deal of time in Santa Fe, a place Gerry loved. Her quick wit, broad knowledge, and great friendship will be missed by her family and many close friends. Gerry was predeceased by her parents, Margaret Gerry Garland and Gregory Gray Garland Jr., and is survived by her husband, James W. Cooper; brother-in-law, William Cooper; sister, Gayle G. Simpson; and brother-in-law, William H. Simpson. She is also survived by her niece, Kate Cooper Kolby (husband, Sean Kolby); niece, Sara Keally Simpson; nephew, William H. Simpson Jr. (wife, Jean Simpson); and grandnieces, Annalie Reed Kolby, Sadie June Kolby, Sophie Simpson, and Caroline Simpson. Services and burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Westmoreland / Frick Hospital Foundation in Greensburg. Arrangements are under the direction of MCCABE FUNERAL HOME, 144 East Main St., Ligonier. mccabefuneralhomespa.com