Eleanor Mae Cooley, age 80 of rural Vicksburg, died Tuesday, May 25, 2021 at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo following a long illness. She was born in Vicksburg on July 7, 1940 the daughter of Westley M. and Louisa M. (Harriger) Copenhafer and was a lifetime resident of the area. She graduated from Vicksburg High School with the class of 1958 and was a member of the marching band. She was married to Fred DeYoung on Nov. 1, 1958; they were later divorced. Eleanor weas employed as an inspector at Upjohn Pharmaceuticals in Kalamazoo for over thirty years. She remained active in the Vicksburg Alumni Association and enjoyed creating ceramic arts and bird-watching. She was married to Richard Cooley in Vicksburg on Dec. 1, 1984. They enjoyed life at the family homestead and hosting family Christmases until Richard's passing in 2012.

Eleanor is survived by her daughter, Sheryle (Bruce) Novencido-Sage of Mendon; four step-children, Mark Cooley, Kevin Cooley, and Ted Cooley all of Kalamazoo and Kim (Jeff) Smith of Vicksburg; nine grandchildren, Jim (Sara) Novencido, Jeremiah (Megan) Novencido, Travis (Jami) Sage, Shauna (Chris) Dantzler, Mike (Melanie) DeYoung, Chelsea (Nick) DeRyke, Katie Cosby, Dustin Finley, and Alexis Smith; several great-grandchildren; sister and best friend, Arlene Miller and sisters, Geraldine Fries and Bonnie Russell; and by her feline family.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a daughter, Kay Katie DeYoung; son, Scott DeYoung; and her husband, Richard Cooley.

In keeping with her wishes, cremation has been conducted. Private interment will be in Mendon Cemetery. It is suggested that memorial contributions be directed to the Society for the Preventions of Cruelty to Animals at www.spcawmich.org

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.eickhofffuneralhome.com

UPDATE: A public memorial service will take place from 1 to 4 pm on Saturday, June 26, 2021 at the family homestead. Please bring your favorite memories of Eleanor to share around the campfire .