Julianne Cooper Obituary

Julianne "Julie" Cooper (Ducommun), age 79, passed away the morning of March 17, 2025. She was born June 5, 1945, in Seattle, Washington, before her family moved to California where Julie attended Los Angeles High School and then Polytechnic High School in San Francisco. After graduation, Julie attended San Francisco State University where she met her future husband, Richard "Michael" Cooper, and majored in American Studies.

Julie, Michael, and their sons David and Joel moved to Kansas in 1974, where both parents earned their master's in education from Emporia State University. They moved to Salina where Julie taught elementary and middle school for nine years before continuing her education at Emporia. After earning her Master's of Science in Education, Julie moved to Lawrence where she became Assistant Director of Financial Aid at the University of Kansas, before finishing her career in education as Director of Financial Aid at Johnson County Community College.

Education was Julie's passion. Whether she was in the classroom helping every child succeed or working with students of all ages to pursue a college education, Julie was unwavering in her patience, compassion, and attention to the needs of everyone she met. She believed that education was the foundation for a happy and fulfilling life, and that learning didn't have to stop, no matter one's age.

Julie's recent struggle with cancer and chronic health issues ended peacefully at home with Michael at her side. She is preceded in death by father Lloyd, mother Imogene, and brother Ronald. She is survived by husband Michael, sons David (Pam) and Joel (Jane), grandchildren Olivia (Marcus) and Benjamin, and grandson Johannes.

Her life touched so many others, but Julie's most important and lasting gift was a love of learning and a firm belief that all children were born with the desire to learn. There was nothing more satisfying than helping students continue their education and unlock their own potential. In celebration of Julie's life, the family will have a private remembrance in April.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Lawrence Journal-World on Mar. 25, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Julianne Cooper

11 Entries

Del Buono Diane

May 30, 2025

Our trip together from Lawrence to East Lansing when I moved. Julie traveled with me and it was just a very special time for us both.

Jean Keating

April 8, 2025

Julie was always helpful for others, always caring for others. Prayers for her family.

Diane Del Buono

Planted Trees

Dennis Day

March 27, 2025

Julie was a special person both professionally and personally. She carried for everyone student, staff and visitor. Julie was a wonderful part of Johnson County Community College for many years, I miss her smile and sharp wit.

Susie Edwards

March 27, 2025

Julie was always so involved in KASFAA and helping all of her colleagues. She was a friend to all of us in her financial aid family.

Sending prayers to all of her family.

Kathy Blau

March 26, 2025

Julie was one of my first mentors when I joined the financial aid profession at Garden City Community College. She provided leadership, support & encouragement. Sincere sympathy to her family & friends.

Cheryl Schinze

March 25, 2025

I had the privilege of working with Julie for a short time. She was a friend to many at JCCC and send my heartfelt condolences to her family and others close to her.

Rose Eiesland Foster

March 25, 2025

I had the pleasure of getting to know Julie about 10 years ago when I had a cleaning business. We loved talking about kitties and grandkids. She was so bright and I enjoyed our conversations. My condolences to Mike and your children and grandchildren.

Lori Vogelsberg

March 25, 2025

Mike,

I am so sorry to hear about Julie passing. She definitely had an impact on so many at JCCC including myself. I considered her more of a friend than a co-worker. She will be missed. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.

Would you mind if we shared Julie's passing with those at JCCC?

Chris Johnson

March 25, 2025

Learning of Julie's death made me both sad and nostalgic. Julie was an associate director in the KU Office of Student Financial Aid when I started there in 1992. Working in that office often meant having difficult conversations with student and parents about private sensitive issues like finances and grades. Julie would often tackle the most difficult conversations. I admired her ability to be firm and honest with people, but still show compassion. She was a role model for me as I developed my own counseling style. It was a pleasure working for her. Julie once recommended to me that I visit La Push, Washington. If I ever get there, I will think of her.
May she rest in peace.