Arlene Cooper

Arlene Cooper, age 76, of Pompton Plains, passed away peacefully from this life into the everlasting arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Thursday, June 5, 2025, while receiving the loving care of her family.  

The daughter of Frederick and Elizabeth (Beversluis) Rogers, Arlene was born in Paterson and spent her early years there and in nearby Prospect Park.

Arlene met and married John Cooper on August 28, 1983. She adopted her first two children before marriage – Matthew, Elizabeth, and after marrying John, adopted Brian and lived for several years in Sussex County. Later the family moved to Pompton Plains where Arlene and John adopted their last two other children, Sean and Abigail. The family had called Pompton Plains their cherished home ever since.

A woman of deep Christian faith, Arlene walked closely with God—her Maker, Provider, and Sustainer—throughout her life. She and her family were faithful attenders of the Trinity Baptist Church in Montville where she delighted in attending the church’s Helping Hands ministry – a program dedicated to helping those with disabilities. 

Arlene’s life was one clearly marked by service to others. She always put her children’s best interests before herself, even in situations where it might take a toll on her own health. She loved them immensely and was always on her best game when it came to celebrating their milestones, like birthdays, graduations, and personal achievements. As if raising five children wasn’t enough to keep anyone’s time fully occupied, Arlene also was also a volunteer with the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) organization by passionately supporting their mission to advocate for the best interests of youth in foster care. In addition, because of her son Matthew’s battle with Cystic Fibrosis, which ultimately took his life on earth in 2010, Arlene was a faithful volunteer to raise financial support and awareness for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Her tireless devotion in all she did was a reflection of her love for God and her faithful obedience to Jesus’ command to love the Lord with all your heart, soul, and mind—and to love your neighbor as yourself.

On a lighter note, Arlene found horses to be such a delight. Deacon, Trooper, and Moe were her equestrian friends that she had the privilege of caring for and riding and, just last year, she even had the thrill of jumping into the saddle for a ride on a giant Clydesdale! Her love for animals extended to a wide variety of pets throughout her life, including a goat, rabbits, birds, guinea pigs, gerbils, a frog, a tortoise, a turtle named J.J. (rescued by her husband John shortly before his passing), and her loyal dog Jake, whom she affectionately called her protector. She truly was a real-life Dr. Dolittle!

Arlene’s favorite Bible verse was Psalm 4:8

 I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.

The Lord gave deep comfort to her in this verse, especially in times of restlessness.

Arlene was a cherished wife, a devoted mother, a dear sister and aunt, and a trusted and treasured friend. Her absence will be deeply felt, but her memory and the legacy of her love and faith will live on in the memories and hearts of those whose lives she so deeply richly blest. Her family rejoices in knowing that she is with the Lord and by God’s saving grace will see her again. 

Arlene was predeceased in August, 2023, by her beloved husband John to whom she cherished 40 years of marriage, and by her precious son Matthew in 2010. She is survived by her other four dearly loved children: Elizabeth Cooper, Brian Cooper, and Sean Cooper, all of Pompton Plains, and Abigail Cooper of Little Falls. She is also survived by her dear brothers John and wife Cindy Rogers of Sebastian, FL, and Donald and wife Helen Rogers of Pompton Plains, as well as numerous loved nieces and nephews.

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In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Arlene’s name are asked to consider the following charitable organization:

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

501 St. Jude Place

Memphis, TN 38105

Click here to download a mailable form

Please indicate that your gift is in memory of Arlene Cooper.