Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Margaret Elizabeth McGregor Cooper-Scott


Margaret Elizabeth McGregor Cooper-Scott was born June 13, 1923, in Hollywood, Calif., and died April 8, 2010, in Green Valley, Ariz., near her daughters, Dei and Cathy. She grew up in North Hollywood where her father, Jack McGregor, was a contractor for Universal Studios, her mother Adelaide (Della) Kornmann was an Eastern Star officer and her younger sister, Jacqueline, was "a little firecracker." They had a large yard where they grew every fruit and raised turkeys during the Depression. Margaret was a Job's Daughter Honored Queen, growing up very active in community and church service, sports, arts, sciences and dramatics. She was often elected president of her clubs in which she stood for fairness and graciousness.

She received her training as a certified dental technician at L.A. City College. In 1943 she and childhood friend Bob Cooper married. He became an Air Force lieutenant colonel and they had Cathryn Elizabeth in 1947, Wynne Dei Gayle in 1948 and Craig Emerson in 1951. They were stationed in various locations in the West, including Mountain Home Air Force Base in the mid-1950s. Following their divorce, Margaret moved the kids to Ketchum where she enrolled them in school and encouraged them in every sport and fun activity. She brought a high level of creativity to the groups, such as Campfire Girls, which she led. She was waitressing at the Alpenrose where she met Edward L. Scott. They were married at Trail Creek Cabin, had Heidi Sharp in 1958 and lived at Brandt's Cabins. Scotty was just developing his ski pole design and was in the process of forming Scott U.S.A. Those were exciting times and Margaret fondly remembered every friend she knew from Sun Valley. She and Scotty divorced and she moved back to Tucson, Ariz., where she raised the children, continuing to pursue sports, arts, sciences, nature and Indian history. She became a receptionist, then a nurse, and was known for her sensitivity and attention to detail.

Margaret always brought artistry to every situation and more meaning to the expression "arriving on Ketchum time" (did she invent it?). She was a serious thinker, a great storyteller, a persuasive force and lover of all things beautiful. Although she didn't try to bring attention to herself, and showed great interest in those around her, she felt very strongly about social principles and stood up for people "doing the right thing." She could see various viewpoints, had foresight, kindness and a wee Scottish temper. She admired Einstein and treated animals with utmost care. Margaret lived in Tucson until 2007.

She was preceded in death by her sister in 2000, Scotty in 2001, Bob in 2001 and her son-in law Bob Foley in 2003. She is survived by Heidi and her husband, Steve Bynum, and grandkids, Alice A., 22 and Liam S., 17, all of Hailey; her daughter, Cathy Foley, and grandkids Jason R., 27, and Christopher R., 21, Dei Kruse (Jack) and Craig Cooper (Lydia); and grandkids Kayla C., 23, and William S., 21, of Bellingham,Wash.

Services were held in Green Valley, Ariz., followed by interment in North Hollywood.




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