, "Mama Dee," 90, of West Grove, died Saturday, Dec. 4, at Chester County Hospital.  She was the wife of the late Vance M. Cooper who died in 2011 and with whom she shared 59 years of marriage.  Born in West Grove she was a daughter of the late Joseph and Ethel Walker Costanzo.

Dolores is survived by three sons, David C. Cooper of Kennett Square, Jeffrey N. Cooper (Paula) of Dover, Del. and Jon Christopher Cooper (Kristen Binz-Perrone) of Hockessin; one daughter, Candace L. Cooper of Lewes, Del; six grandchildren, Erin, John, Kevin, Kimberly, Ryan and Jacob, and three great-grandchildren, Nolen Mae Barrow, John Hillferty and Jason Hillferty.

It may sound cliché, but to know Dee Cooper was to love Dee Cooper. Her energy was magnetic and light-filled, creating a lasting impression on anyone she met. Even articulating just how special she was is difficult because her personality and presence was so dynamic. Loud, fun, crazy, and someone who did things her own way, always – all wrapped into a highly-accessorized, colorful bundle of beauty and joy. Who else is a flower girl at the age of 85? https://www.cbsnews.com/news/delaware-woman-85-serves-as-flower-girl-at-best-friends-wedding/ Did she ever mention to you that she won “best legs” as a high school superlative? It’s a fact. But perhaps her greatest gift was her ability to create true, meaningful connections with so many in her life.

Dee loved to know people and their stories; she could make you feel heard and seen as no one else. She was kind, generous, and always made you feel special. And if you were lucky enough, she would shower you with her yard sale treasures. Time never slowed her down, always young at heart with charm and comedic timing that never dulled.

Dee grew up as an only child that always dreamed of becoming an actress. Even though she never made it to the silver screen, she made a home on the small stage in her youth and kept a flair for the dramatic throughout life. Her favorite place was her home at the shore on Benny’s Landing Rd., spending summers that always went too quickly with a never-ending guest list of friends and family. In its heyday, the walls were covered from floor-to-ceiling with anything and everything that made an impression on her: knickknacks, photos, quotes – you name it. And they all had a story. She treasured experiences and people, and never forgot a thing.

There may never be another human quite like Dee Cooper, but to have had her as part of your life is truly a blessing. She will be greatly missed, but dearly remembered by so many.

You are invited to visit with Dee’s family and friends from 10-11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 11, at the Kennett Square Golf and Country Club, 100 East Locust Lane, Kennett Square, PA 19348.  Her memorial service will follow at 11. Interment will be held privately.  Contributions in her memory may be made to Goodwill (online) at https://www.yourgoodwill.org/donate/money/monetary-donations  Arrangements are by Matthew J. Grieco of Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory, (484-734-8100) condolences may be shared at www.griecofunerals.com