Rosario Gladys Cooper

Rosario Gladys Cooper, 77, passed away peacefully with family by her side in the early morning of Monday, October 17, 2022, at Randall Residence in Wheelersburg. She was born March 15, 1945, in Sucre, Bolivia to the late Julio Sandoval Carrasco and Ruth Bleichner Cortez.

Rosario, not speaking any English, in 1966 courageously traveled to Portsmouth from Bolivia at the age of 21 on a student visa.  She received a Diploma in Secretarial Practice from the Portsmouth Interstate Business College.   Despite leaving a big part of her heart back home in Bolivia, Rosario became a dedicated long-time resident of Rosemount, a place she truly loved.  As a single mother of two, she raised her children in the most loving and nurturing environment, a gift for which they will always be grateful.  Rosario will best be remembered for her big heart and her desire to always help and care for others, especially those with less fortunate circumstances.  She received great fulfillment in working as a nurse aide at Edgewood Manor of Lucasville.  Rosario was a true blessing to all around her. A blessing unique and irreplaceable. A blessing who will be sorely missed. She was gentle and caring, but most of all she was always loving. She had countless friendships throughout the years and her light shone brightly onto everyone she met, including strangers.  

She was devoted to her Catholic faith and attended St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Her unique interests included plants and flowers and collecting angels and roosters.  Her greatest pride and joy in life were her children and grandchildren whom she loved more than anything.

She is survived by her daughter, Ruth Nagle (Bill Walker) of Newton, MA., son, Alex Nagle (Mia) of Chicago, IL., brother, Mario Velarde (Marisa Alonso) of Spain, as well as four grandchildren; Grant, Eleanor, Anna, and Chase.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 AM Saturday, October 22, 2022, at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Portsmouth with Rev. David Glockner officiating, burial will follow at Greenlawn Cemetery. Visitation for friends and family will be 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM Friday, October 21, 2022, at Melcher Hammer Funeral Home in Portsmouth with a Recitation of the Rosary beginning at 8:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in honor of Rosario to St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 524 6th Street, Portsmouth, OH 45662.

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