Shirlene Cooper

October 28, 1945 – March 21, 2020

Shirlene Theriot Cooper, 74, passed away Saturday, March 21, 2020 at 1:50PM. Shirlene was a native and resident of Houma, LA.

Fr. Clyde Mahler, her dear friend, will conduct a private graveside service on Wednesday, March 25, 2020.

Shirlene is survived by her devoted husband, Philip J. Cooper; daughter, Dr. Catherine Cooper Katzenmeyer and husband, Dr. Kevin Katzenmeyer; grandsons, William Cooper Katzenmeyer and Benjamin Philip Katzenmeyer; brother, Ronnie Theriot and sister, Catherine Medal and husband, Louis; sister-in-law, Becky Theriot. Shirlene is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

Shirlene is preceded in death by her parents, Beatrice Cuneo Theriot and Eustis Theriot; brothers, Gail Theriot and Julius Theriot; nephews, Jerome Theriot and Mark Theriot.
Shirlene graduated from Terrebonne High School and received a Bachelor of Arts in Education at the University of Louisiana. She received her Master’s Degree, plus thirty post-graduate hours in Administration and Supervision. She also received a certification as a second language specialist and as a supervising teacher from Nicholls State University.

She was a teacher, master teacher, assistant principal, and principal in the Terrebonne Parish Public School System for over forty years. She was voted Teacher of the Year by her peers at Mulberry Elementary School in 1994-1995. Upon her retirement from the Terrebonne Parish School System, she became principal of Maria Immacolata Catholic School.

Shirlene was a passionate educator who advocated for the needs and dignity of all children. Her mantra was to treat all children with compassion and to listen to their concerns with empathetic ears. It was her daily goal to have children feel respected, cherished, and important. She was a member of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Catholic Church, where she attended services regularly. She was a devout Catholic. She strongly believed in the power of prayer and prayed regularly for the intentions of many people. Shirlene cherished every moment as a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She enjoyed spending time with her family, especially in Grand Isle, walking in the neighborhood with her husband, reading, working in her garden, cross stitching, cooking, and creating a happy home.

Shirlene will be remembered for her strong moral integrity, acts of kindness to others, optimistic attitude, the Christian principles by which she lived, and her unwavering devotion to her family and friends. She will be sorely missed by the many whose lives she touched with her sweet, gentle nature.

Due to the recent health concerns and the restrictions in accordance with the limited gatherings, the funeral services for Mrs. Cooper will be held privately by the immediate family. Friends are encouraged to view Mrs. Cooper’s obituary and leave their memories and condolences in the online guestbook for Mrs. Cooper’s family. The family thanks everyone for their understanding during this difficult time.

Chauvin Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Shirlene Cooper.