Judith "Judy" Bond Cooper

June 22, 1941 - February 23, 2025

Charlotte, North Carolina - 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.

Livestream Link https://myersparkumc.org/worship/

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Published by Charlotte Observer from Mar. 3 to Mar. 9, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Judith Bond Cooper

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7 Entries

Pearl Binder Masters

August 15, 2025

I met Judy in Boston when Bob was at BU along with my former husband. We became instant friends and I was blessed to visit her and Wayne in Charlotte with my 2nd husband. I was a big city girl and when she asked me to make whipped cream, it turned into butter! I have beautiful memories of her. My condolences to the family.
Wish I had the photo of Chad and my daughter´s 1st birthday party.
May she rest in peace.

Bill McNamara

Planted Trees

Carol, Jenny, and Adam

Planted Trees

Marcia scott

March 11, 2025

Wayne,& family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Will miss Judy - rest in peace judy.

Constance Pawlowski

March 8, 2025

I met Judy while working at West Mecklenburg, where she was a counselor. She was always gracious and pleasant to both students and staff. She was a pleasure to work with. We later connected after retirement from CMS through the Berewick Bridge Group. She was a good bridge player and brought her famous peanut brittle to everyone during the Christmas holidays. She was always so thoughtful and a kind friend. Covid broke up the group, but someone always would check on Judy for the rest of the group. My sincere condolences to Wayne and her sons. She always spoke lovingly about all of you. Judy will be missed.

March 7, 2025

May God give you strength and comfort during this difficult time. I am so sorry for your loss. Sending condolences and prayers to her family and friends. She will be greatly missed and remembered for having touched the lives of so many.

Jim Teat

March 4, 2025

A life well lived. Judy was a cheerful presence the many times we worked or partied at Wayne's ranch. But now that I've read her obituary, I regret not talking more about her and less about land development. A life giving to others.

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