Catherine Ann "Kay" Cooper

Catherine Ann (Kay) Cooper

January 4, 1938 – March 21, 2026

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." — 2 Timothy 4:7

Catherine Ann "Kay" Cooper, beloved wife, devoted mother, cherished grandmother, and a woman of radiant faith, entered eternal life on March 21, 2026, at Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. Born Catherine Ann Romano on January 4, 1938, in Pitcairn, Pennsylvania, Kay was the eldest child of Alberto (Albert) Romano and Josephine Romano (née Ciccotelli), both of whom preceded her in death. From her earliest days, Kay's Italian heritage formed in her a deep love of family, faith, and the warmth of a well-set table, values she carried and cultivated for the whole of her life.

Kay is survived by the love of her life, her husband of over 54 years, Frank William Cooper, Jr., whose devotion to her was matched only by her own. Together, Kay and Frank built a home that became a sanctuary for all who entered. Their daughter, Kelley Cooper Miller, and son-in-law Eric J. Miller, carried on that legacy of love, and were joined in turn by the light of Kay's life, her cherished granddaughter, Mallory Margaret Miller, in whom Kay's joy found its fullest expression. Kay, Frank, and Kelley were an inseparable trio whose bond transcended circumstance; Eric and Mallory completed this circle of love that endures now beyond death itself.

Kay is also survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Robert J. and Dorothy (née Bonnar) Romano, and by her treasured nephews and nieces: Robert and Dana Romano; Dina Romano and Andy Raynovich; and David Romano and Colleen Everett. She delighted in her great-nieces and great-nephews: Jacob Henninger, Danielle Stish (Cameron), Lydia Henninger, Gina Romano (Nick Olave), and Robert John (RJ) Romano. Kay's deep bond with Dorothy's family was a testament to the expansiveness of her heart, and she cherished as family Patricia Pekich (late John “Spanny”), Tom Bonnar (Mary Beth), Jim and Christina Perry, and Brian and Jennifer Urso. She is further survived by a beloved community of cousins spanning the Romano, Ciccotelli, Massucci, Hoyne, and Stump families in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Akron, Ohio; Tyrone, Pennsylvania; and Dallas, Texas and each of them holders of memories she carried close to her heart. And she is survived by her dear and irreplaceable soul sister, Starr (Ed) Durham, whose friendship was one of life's most precious gifts, as well as many, many dear friends made throughout her and Frank’s living in Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Maryland and finally, Johnstown, Pennsylvania.

Professionally, Kay was a trailblazer. In an era when women were just beginning to claim their rightful place in broadcast media, Kay was among the early leaders at WTAE-TV in Pittsburgh, a role that reflected her intelligence, her grace under pressure, and her gift for connection. She brought those same gifts to every chapter of her remarkable life.

Unequivocally, the two great pillars of Kay's life were her faith and her family, which were twin poles around which all else orbited. A devoted member of St. Bernadette's Parish in Monroeville, Pennsylvania, Kay was among the first women installed as a Eucharistic Minister in the Diocese of Pittsburgh, a distinction she held as a profound privilege and sacred trust. She also served faithfully on the Parish Council. Kay was also a member of the St. Joseph Catholic Community in Eldersburg, Maryland, and Our Mother of Sorrows in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. In 2000, Kay took vows to become an Associate of the Sisters of St. Joseph in Baden, Pennsylvania, a community she embraced with her whole heart. She joyfully helped coordinate the Sisters' annual golf tournament in Johnstown and was thrilled to celebrate her Silver Jubilee in 2025, twenty-five years of consecrated belonging to a sisterhood of service and love.

Kay's faith was not merely practiced but it was lived, breathed, and given away. A proud breast cancer survivor, she channeled her own journey through illness into a ministry of compassion for others. She was instrumental in the American Cancer Society's Reach to Recovery Program, served as chair and honoree of the ACS Pink Ribbon Ball, and was a member of the Sole Survivors Breast Cancer Support Group. In her suffering, she found purpose; in her healing, she found mission.

Kay's creative spirit found one of its most joyful expressions in the kitchen. Alongside her soul sister Starr Durham, she co-founded Kay's Biscotti, bringing their legendary biscotti to homes across the United States and around the world. But perhaps nothing brought Kay greater happiness than baking for those she loved and her wedding cookies were famous, edible expressions of the love she carried for her family and friends.

Kay was, in the fullest sense, a woman of God, a wife, mother, aunt, cousin, friend, mentor, minister, and a maker of beautiful things. She fought, she loved, she served, and she kept the faith. Heaven is richer for her arrival, and our world is quieter without her unconditional love, her voice, her biscotti, her cookie trays wrapped in love, and her devoted and abiding presence.

Eternal rest grant to her, Lord, and may the perpetual light shine upon her. May her soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

Visitation will be held on Friday, March 27, 2026, from 5:00 – 7:00 PM at the Westmont Chapel, Duca Funeral Home, Johnstown, Pennsylvania.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at Our Mother of Sorrows Catholic Church, Johnstown, with Rev. Mark Begly presiding. Musical prelude to begin at the Church at 10:00 AM.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Frank Duca of Duca Funeral Home, Johnstown, Pennsylvania.

Memorial donations in Kay's honor may be made to the Sisters of St. Joseph, Baden, Pennsylvania, or to Oakland Catholic High School, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Catherine Ann "Kay" Cooper, please visit our floral store.