Judith "Judy' Bond Cooper

Celebration of Life Livestream Info: 

Saturday March 15th 2pm

https://myersparkumc.org/worship/

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Judith (Judy) Bond Cooper, 83, of Charlotte, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 23, 2025. Born in Akron, Ohio to Vernon and Alice Bond, Judy lived a life defined by her dedication to education, family, and service to others.

Judy graduated from Cuyahoga Falls High School in 1959 and went on to attend Kent State University, where she was an active member of Alpha Phi Sorority and was honored as homecoming queen. She graduated in 1963, the same year she married Robert (Bob) Rubins.

While Bob attended dental school, Judy began her career as an elementary school teacher. The couple welcomed two sons, Brian (born 1968) and Chad (born 1971), before moving to Charlotte, North Carolina in 1972. As a single mother, Judy demonstrated remarkable strength and determination, raising her boys while working full-time for Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools and simultaneously pursuing her Masters Degree in Counseling at UNC Charlotte through night school.

Judy's passion for education and commitment to her students was evident throughout her career as a counselor. She deliberately chose to work at some of Charlotte's most challenging schools, eventually becoming the head counselor at West Mecklenburg High School until her retirement. Judy firmly believed that every child deserved a quality education, and she consistently went above and beyond to help her students, particularly those facing the most difficult circumstances.

In 1977, Judy met Wayne Cooper, who would become her devoted husband. Together, they built a beautiful life on Wayne's "ranch" in Charlotte and traveled extensively around the world, meeting many notable figures including heads of state. Their deep love and commitment to one another was evident to all who knew them.

Those who knew Judy describe her as beautiful inside and out, without a mean bone in her body. She was strong, kind, and loving, offering unwavering support throughout the lives of family and friends. Her impact extended far beyond her immediate family—she had a remarkable ability to leave lasting impressions even when visits were few and far between. For many, just knowing she was in the world brought comfort and happiness.

Judy and Wayne's generosity of spirit touched many lives, including writing heartfelt letters of recommendation for family members during an adoption process. Her nephews and nieces cherish the memories they have with her, a testament to her ability to make meaningful connections with everyone she encountered.

Judy is survived by her husband, Wayne Cooper; her sons and their wives, Brian and Margaret Rubins and Chad and Pam Rubins; grandson Cole Rubins; and sister Carolyn Turiano.

A celebration of Judy's life will be held on Saturday, March 15th at 2:00 pm, at Myers Park United Methodist Church, 1501 Queens Rd, Charlotte. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association of Chicago, IL. To make a donation, go to Alz.org or send a check to: Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N Michigan Ave, Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601