Triplets talk about sudden death of mom, a Middletown teacher

Fellow teachers and the Middletown community are hoping to help complete Kimberly Cooper’s life mission: Raising her triplets.

Cooper, 47, of Monroe, a teacher at Highview Sixth Grade Center in Middletown and a veteran teacher with more than 20 years of experience, died Friday at home. An autopsy was performed Monday, but the cause of death is pending, according to the Butler County Coroner’s Office.

Robert Cooper, the father of the triplets, all juniors at Monroe High School, said Kimberly hadn’t felt well for several days, but she didn’t want to visit the doctor because of the expense.

In response to Cooper’s death, an account has been established at the Middletown Area Schools Credit Union, said Michelle Puckett, a close friend and teacher at Miller Ridge Elementary School. She said any funds donated would be earmarked to assist the children with their financial needs.

Cooper was “adamant” that her 17-year-old children attend college and Puckett said donations will assure that goal “is carried out for her. What her wishes would be.”

On Monday night, Robert Cooper and the triplets — Madeline, Cameron and Colin — gathered around the kitchen table to discuss with the Journal-News how the community has rallied around them. They said their friends, classmates and teachers were supportive on their first day back to school, and Madeline said her soccer teammates have established a GoFundMe account.

On Saturday night, 24 hours after her mother died, Cameron fulfilled her role as Clarice in the school’s production of “It’s A Wonderful Life.” She envisioned her mother in the audience and said it was “hard not having her there.”

Colin said he has learned in the three days since his mother’s death that there are no guarantees in life.

“Love one another,” he said. “Tell them you love them before they’re gone.”

Robert Cooper said since Kimberly’s death he often hears her voice in the house. She was always worried about the house being “a mess,” and spending money unnecessarily, he said.

The Middletown school district was “devastated” by Cooper’s death, Puckett said.

Cooper was active in the teachers union and “went to bat for all teachers,” Puckett said.

There were counselors and pastors at school Monday to meet with students and staff, according to Anna Bailey, a fellow teacher.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the Breitenbach Anderson Funeral Home, 517 S. Sutphin St., with Pastor Simon Fussnecker officiating. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

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