Attorney Margaret Cooper, a 'powerful advocate' for the town, dies at 68

Town Attorney Margaret Cooper, whose knowledge, tenacity and competitive spirit distinguished her in the courtroom and on the tennis court, died Friday, Jan. 4, 2019, at age 68.

Ms. Cooper died surrounded by family and friends at Good Samaritan Medical Center after a long battle against cancer.

She was a partner and shareholder in the West Palm Beach law firm of Jones, Foster, Johnston and Stubbs, which represents the town. She was known for her expertise in commercial and business litigation.

She also was skilled in employment law and handled most matters in that arena for the town, Town Attorney John Randolph said.

Last year, she represented the town after it was sued by a property owner who alleged his constitutional rights were violated by the Architectural Commission’s rejection of his house plans. In what could prove to be a precedent-setting case, a U.S. district judge ruled in the town’s favor, saying the commission’s decision was supported by its design criteria. The property owner, Donald A. Burns, has appealed the judge’s ruling.

“Margie was an excellent litigator,” Randolph said. “Margie was very well loved by those of us in the firm and by the clients with whom she worked, including town officials and employees. She was courageous throughout her entire ordeal. She worked tirelessly throughout her battle with cancer, for and on behalf of her clients, until the last day.”

A fellow in the American Bar Association, Ms. Cooper was named “West Palm Beach 2014 Employment Lawyer of the Year” in the category of litigation and labor & employment law by Best Lawyers in America.

Human Resources Director Danielle Olson said she met Ms. Cooper around 1998 when Ms. Cooper was a speaker at a local employment law conference.

“I was immediately drawn to her impressive style and expertise, so much that I made a point of speaking with her after the seminar — something I rarely do,” Olson said.

Years later, after joining the town in 2008, Olson said she was thrilled to work with Ms. Cooper on the town’s most challenging employment law matters.

“She was a very purpose-driven person in all that she did, which allowed her to enjoy many life accomplishments,” Olson said.

Richard Kleid, a zoning commissioner and former Town Council president, knew Ms. Cooper mainly through his membership on the council’s Administrative and Personnel Committee. The panel hears appeals from employees who’ve been fired or demoted. Ms. Cooper represented the town in those cases.

“She was a strong lady and a powerful advocate,” Kleid said.

Her grit and determination also served her well in tennis, which was a lifelong passion.

Ms. Cooper was a highly ranked junior tennis player in Florida, winning the state high school girls’ singles championship for two consecutive years.

She played No. 1 singles at Rollins College, then briefly played professionally on the Virginia Slims Tour. She competed in Wimbledon, the French Open and the U.S. Open.

Ms. Cooper competed in tournaments throughout her life. In recent years, she was on the board of directors of the International Cup and played in many matches representing the United States in friendly competitions against other countries.

In 2013, she received the USTA Service Bowl Award at the U.S. Open for her notable contributions to tennis.

Ms. Cooper was born April 13, 1950, in Geneva, N.Y., to Jack and Barbara Cooper.

Ms. Cooper is survived by a daughter, Jenny, and a granddaughter, Gianna; two brothers, David Cooper (wife Margo) and Herb Cooper (wife Joan); a sister, Libby Meiners (husband Joe); and eight nieces and nephews.

Services will be at 4 p.m. Jan. 21 at Quattlebaum Funeral, Cremation and Event Center, 5411 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach. 

Memorial donations may be made to Rollins College and designated for women’s tennis. Checks should be addressed to David Cooper at 1807 Barker Drive, Winter Park, FL 32789.