Charlotte Ann Cooperstein

Charlotte Ann Cooperstein, a true force of nature, passed on to a better place on the morning of August 23, 2023, from complications of COPD at the age of 76. She tenaciously fought multiple serious health conditions for many years, with a fortitude that was unmatched.

She was born in Wurzburg, Germany into a United States Air Force family. After living in different parts of the world, the family settled in Horseheads, NY, where Charlotte worked hard to single-handedly raise her two daughters by earning a nursing degree. Eventually, her family ended up in Albuquerque, NM, where she met her current husband, and they lived in the area for her remaining years. She was passionate about being a nurse, and eventually worked in nursing management positions, focused both on ensuring excellent care for patients and being a strong and vocal advocate for her staff. All who knew her would agree that she always stood up for what she thought was right and never backed down from an argument or challenge. She loved reading anything she could get her hands on (including appliance manuals); talking about books and politics; going shopping; and spending time with family. One of her favorite things was to have family gather at her house, eating dinner, and laughing and playing board games. She was generous to a fault, and her door was always open to anyone who needed help. She was our family matriarch, loved all of us fiercely, and each of us thought she'd somehow live forever because her sheer will always felt that powerful.

She leaves behind her husband of 41 years, Paul Cooperstein of Corrales, NM; daughter, Jacqueline Sams and husband, Edward of Albuquerque, NM; daughter, Jessica Reese of Seattle, WA; step-son, Noah Cooperstein and his wife, Marta of Fairview Heights, IL; step-daughter, Miriam Finkle and husband, Roy of Glenside, PA; grandchildren, Jamison and partner, Andrew, Samantha, Andrea, Quinn, and Flynn; and great-grandchildren, Luna and Timothy. She will also be terribly missed by the animals who shared her home: Kurt, Vienna, Llama, Annie, and Reggie. Over the years, she also made and kept many, many friends. We will all mourn the tremendous void she has left in our lives but take some comfort in knowing that she's been reunited with her dearest friend in the world, Cathy, and that they're talking up a storm.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Claudia Chesney; brother, Robert Chesney II; sister, Claudia Chesney and many more relatives and friends who left this earth before her.

The family extends many thanks to the kind staff at Lovelace ICU for taking such good care of Charlotte in her final days.

Cremation has taken place and there will be a small family memorial service. Her remains will be scattered in the fields of upstate New York, a place that was filled with happy memories for her. To honor Charlotte's memory, please consider a gift to an organization that helps children or animals, or to a liberal political cause of your choice.