Thora Helen Cooper Westervelt

August 19, 1939 - January 21, 2024

Thora was born in Lincoln, Nebraska to Rev. Thomas and Gunhild (Gwen) Cooper.  One year later her beloved sister Maree Jonassen Cooper was born.  The family moved to Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania for several years, finally moving to the beautiful, dry desert of Tucson, Arizona when she was 11 years old.

Thora graduated from Tucson High School in 1957 and after two years at the University of Arizona, she transferred to Belhaven College in Jackson, Mississippi with her sister where she majored in Education, graduating in 1961.  She returned to Tucson, Arizona to take her first elementary school teaching job and this is where she met her husband, Clinton Albert Westervelt, Jr. on a blind date.  Nine months later they were married on August 12, 1965.   They moved to Southern California where Clint began his teaching career as a biology professor at Chapman College in Orange, and Thora taught kindergarten and first grade for the Santa Ana School District. Clint and Thora loved traveling, and they had the wonderful opportunity to travel around the world twice with the global education program World Campus Afloat. 

Thora taught school for seven years until their daughter Gwen Marie was born when she became a stay-at-home mom.  Once Gwen began school, Thora continued her love of teaching by serving as a substitute teacher for Orange County Unified School District, often having the opportunity to substitute teach in Gwen’s classes.  She also volunteered her time in Gwen’s elementary school classrooms leading special activities such as teaching a poetry unit or staging fun events such as St. Patrick’s Day “Lucky Leprechaun” treasure hunts.

 Thora loved music, and she shared her musical gift throughout her life.  When they moved to California, Thora and Clint became members of Garden Grove Orthodox Presbyterian Church where she served as the church pianist/organist for over forty-five years.  When they became members at St. John Lutheran Church in Orange, California, she would occasionally play the piano at worship services there as well.

Thora was a devoted Christian, who lived out her faith throughout her life. Not only did she serve the church musically, but she served in a variety of other ways over the years from teaching Vacation Bible School, to leading women’s bible studies. She was the leader of the girl's club GEMS where she had an impact on many young women over the years.  

She delighted in becoming Ammie to her four grandchildren, Helen Grace, Tirzah, Caleb, and Colin Macallister, who were her pride and joy.  She would always have pictures of them on hand to share with friends.  

Thora and Clint moved to Chattanooga, Tennessee in 2020 to be just three houses down from Gwen and David where they enjoyed being near family.  They were able to attend their grandchildren’s school and church events and enjoyed watching them play in the neighborhood from the vantage point of their porch.

Thora was known for her love for her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and her deep love for her family and friends.  She was known for her zeal for life, as she took delight in all its gifts from seeing the beauty of a sunrise over the water, to listening to a choral concert, to celebrating holidays of all kinds, always being sure to dress in the appropriate colors of the special day.   

She is dearly loved and is missed greatly, but we know she is delighting in the presence of her Savior and all the dear ones who have gone before.  
                                                       You make known to me the path of life; In your presence there is fullness of joy; At your right hand are pleasures forevermore.  Psalm 16: 11