Max Cooper

September 7th, 2015

I knew Max Cooper through his sister, Sara Cooper Jacobson, who invited me to her Chicago home for several years, to help celebrate her daughter Fran’s birthday parties. Fran and I had met in 2nd grade in Chicago at Delano School, and I was happy to be invited by Sara, who hosted beautiful parties in early November for many years. Even in the early years, Mrs. Jacobson had a movie camera. It is the copy of those films that I have and treasure because I am in those films at age 7. Even after I moved with my family to Skokie, Il, Fran and I kept in touch. We both studied to be teachers. Years later, both of us relocated to Southern California, and still we remained friends. I know that Fran flew from CA to AL to hold her uncle’s hand during his last few days on earth. Over the years, Fran shared wonderful stories about her Uncle Max, of whom she was so proud. I listened to the stories of Uncle Max and his relationships with the Ronald MacDonald Houses. Max Cooper was a generous man and continued to support important programs throughout his lifetime. May his name forever be remembered for a blessing. My sister has had a home in Arlington Hts. for many years, and when I visit her, I plan to go to Sholom Memorial Park and visit the graves of Max Cooper, Sara Cooper Jacobson and some of my relations who are buried there.
With love, Marlene L. Churgel Smith 09/07/2015

~Marlene Learner Churgel Smith
~family friend originally from Chicago in the early years, Huntington Beach, CA

September 2nd, 2015

I remember Max playing $5.00 Video poker at the Mirage in Vegas. Then we were going to have dinner and my husband got up and went over to the host and said he wanted to pay for dinner. The host said, “sorry, the bill has already been taken care of.” Who do you think paid for the dinner – that’s right Uncle Max!!!!

~Evie and Bruce Grossman
~Friend of nephew, Northbrook, Ill