Obituary of Irene J. Cooper

Irene J. Cooper, 94, died on Friday, August 3, 2012 at Daughters of Sarah Nursing Center. Born in South Buckinghamshire, England, she came to the United States to live in 1951, and was the owner/Director of Knickerbocker Personnel Service (agency) in downtown Albany for 40 years. Irene was the beloved wife of Albany attorney Samuel D. Cooper until his passing in 1998, and was previously married to Gustave Lurie, who also predeceased her. She is survived by a son, Glenn M. Cooper, and a daughter, Anne E. Cooper, both of Albany. She was the glamorous and entertaining Aunt Irene from England to her nieces and nephews. She will be best remembered for her work helping countless job seekers secure employment with local companies. Irene was the first woman to own and operate an employment agency in the Capital District. People flocked to her downtown office for advice and guidance, or just to chat. She relished in helping others better their lives and reach their potential . A memorial service will be held at the Levine Memorial Chapel, 649 Washington Avenue, Albany at a later date to be announced. Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Peter's Hospital Foundation, 315 South Manning Blvd., Albany, NY 12208. The caring nursing staff at St. Peter's kept Irene comfortable in her last month of life..