Henrietta Joan Cooper

Henrietta Cooper passed away on Friday, June 25th due to complications in a heart procedure that would repair her heart circulation. She knew the risks about moving forward and she did it anyway because that’s who she was, a fighter until the very end. Henrietta Cooper, who was also known as Quay-la-la Which-ta-lum was a longtime Tribal elder and leader of the Lummi Nation and a spiritual guide to countless others across the country. She was born in 1939 to Henry and Charlotte (Green) Cooper and raised in Deming, Washington until moving to Forks, Washington where she attended Forks High School and according to all who knew her, she was incredibly popular. Popular enough to be named Carnival Queen of Forks to which her father was incredibly proud. For anyone who knew her as a young woman in Forks, she is remembered for having a smile on her face and bringing laughter to anyone who had the privilege to cross paths with her. Henrietta gave birth to two beautiful daughters while living in Forks. Her daughter Joni Eller was born in 1956 and Jill Coughenour in 1960. In 1977, Henrietta moved to Port Angeles, Washington with her two daughters to manage a fashion boutique and in the process, brought laughter, love, teachings and joy to the Peninsula community. It was in Port Angeles where Henrietta found a community and home that she loved so dear, she stayed until her passing in 2021. In 1989, Henrietta moved in with her daughter Jill to assist in the raising of her two grandchildren, Ty Coughenour and Tawny Bagby creating a multi-generational household that Ty and Tawny are forever grateful. For her whole life, she was a lover and seeker of beauty, finding it just about everywhere she looked whether it was the way the sun hit one of her flowers in her garden, the laughter of her great grandchildren or the crashing waves at First Beach in La Push. She was a medicine woman, a seer of spirits, a beacon of wisdom, a healer of the soul, a lesson in respect, a carrier of songs, a proud progressive, a bridge of support and a warrior until the very end. She is survived by her daughters Joni Eller and Jill Coughenour, brother Leland Cooper, Grandchildren Garrison Eller, Chance and Jenny Eller, Noah Eller, Ty Coughenour and Tawny Bagby. 9 great-grandchildren and beloved Auntie to too many nieces and nephews to list. She is now home with her brothers Harry “Spud” Cooper, Elsie “Dude” Point, Clifford Cooper, Cha-das-ska-dum Which-ta-lum, where they can finally be together again. A prayer service will be held Wednesday, June 30 at 6:00pm. Funeral services will be Thursday, July 1 at 10:00am. Both services at the Wexliem Community Building. Burial will follow in Lummi Nation Cemetery.

Henrietta Joan Cooper

May 31, 1939 - June 25, 2021