Valda Cooper
Valda Cooper | |
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Born | Valda Margaret Cooper LavenderValda Cooper November 15, 1915 reporter |
Valda Margaret Cooper LavenderValda Cooper (November 15, 1915 – April 12, 2008)
Cooper was once quoted as proclaiming, "I've got
Early life
Valda Cooper was born in
Career
Cooper began her career in newspaper journalism at the Borger Herald in Borger, Texas.[1] She worked as a staff member at the Borger Herald for nine years before joining the Associated Press' Bureau in Santa Fe, New Mexico, in 1943.[1] She was the first woman to work at the New Mexican AP staff.[1] There she covered the political proceedings at the New Mexico State Legislature, including the New Mexico Senate,[1] and the New Mexico State Capitol as a night editor for the AP.[2]
In 1945, Cooper married
Cooper also began working for the
Cooper's husband, Dave Cooper, received his
Cooper joined the Farmington Daily Times in 1953 after moving to the area because of her husband's job transfer.[2] She remained at the Farmington Daily Times for 26 years, including 14 years in which she served as the newspaper's managing editor.[2] By serving in this position, Cooper became the first woman managing editor of any daily newspaper in New Mexico.[1]
Cooper became head of a number of journalism related organizations during her long career. She served as president of the New Mexico Press Association, the first female president of the New Mexico Associated Press Managing Editors Association and the president of the New Mexico Press Women.[1]
Cooper retired from full-time reporting in 1980.
Cooper also served on the boards of many New Mexican
Cooper was a co-founder of the San Juan Community Concert Association as well as the Farmington chapter of the
Death
Cooper lived at a nursing home in Farmington during her final years. She kept a computer in her room in order to write potential stories and read the news.[2] Cooper died in her sleep on April 12, 2008, at the age of 92 at her nursing home in Farmington, New Mexico.[1][2] She was survived by her two children and four grandchildren.
Awards and recognitions
Valda Cooper received numerous awards and recognitions throughout her career. Many of Cooper's awards were for her writing accomplishments. She was the first woman to receive the New Mexico