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Marilynn Wayne Cooper passed away Sunday, March 21, 2010 in Santa Fe, surrounded by her family. Born in Birmingham, Alabama in 1929, Marilynn was the eldest of four siblings raised by Lanoix Brown and Virginia Dare Cooper. A proud alumnus of Birmingham Southern College, Marilynn brought the best southern traditions of friendship, courtesy, hard work and joyous celebration with her throughout her life. A successful business woman who ran her own custom home construction business, Homes By Marilynn, for over 40 years, Marilynn was the first woman builder in New Mexico, and completed scores of custom homes, remodels and commercial projects that helped to establish modern southwestern architecture in the region. She built an impeccable reputation for service and quality, and put some of the first cracks in the infamous glass ceiling that stymied many women of her era. In the mid 1950's, Marilynn served in India with her first husband, Mel Jaschke, Vice Consul to India in the U.S. Embassy. With Mel, she raised a family of five successful children, Chrys, Virginia, Michelle, Justin and Derek Jaschke. Moving back to the US, she juggled family and business while instilling her core values of hard work, equal rights, fair play and compassion for others in her children. Marilynn was a lifelong democratic activist and charter member of both the League of Women Voters and the League of Nations. She fought passionately for civil rights, women's rights, conservation, animal rights and human rights over the years, and was an important advocate for Planned Parenthood, and the United Nations Association. Marilynn was a stalwart supporter and tireless campaigner for the Democratic Party, and was once herself a candidate for the NM State House of Representatives. Even in her later years, she remained a friend and advisor to Governors, Senators, U.S. Representatives and other government officials. Ironically, Marilynn's second marriage was to New Mexico's "Mr. Republican", George McKim. Marilynn always put character ahead of partisanship and lamented to the end the increasing lack of civility in politics. Marilynn's third husband, Bill Heckman, also preceded her in death. With her love for fine art, natural beauty, great challenges and fabulous parties, Marilynn truly lived every moment to its fullest. She loved fishing, hiking and any kind of adventure, and was especially fond of the pink cliffs of the Brazos Box in northern New Mexico, and the natural wonders of the Sea of Cortez. She was a hostess and entertainer extraordinaire, lending the beautiful home she designed and built to countless causes and gatherings of friends and family. Her many pets were cared for as family members. As a member of the Methodist Church, Marilynn always reached out to those in need and was committed to her Christian values. Marilynn never relinquished her favorite nickname, "Sizzleball Cooper", a tribute to her pitching prowess during her college softball career. Her sister, Virginia Dare McKenzie, her five children, and seven loving grandchildren, as well as many wonderful friends survive her. A memorial service and celebration of Marilynn's life is planned for April 17, 2010 in Albuquerque at St. John's Methodist Church. Please contact the family for details regarding the service. The family requests that donations be made to the Sierra Club or Planned Parenthood in lieu of flowers.
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