McCOLLISTER
Laura Lee Cooper McCollister, 62, of Naples, Florida, formerly of Ft. Madison, Iowa passed away at 6:02 p.m. on Wednesday, February 14, 2024, surrounded by her loving family, friends, and beloved dog “Moose”.
She was born on July 17, 1961, in Ft. Madison, Iowa, daughter of Roger and Laura (Vincent) Cooper, she was a 1979 graduate of Ft. Madison High School.
She began her career in the casino industry as a dealer on the Emerald Lady Riverboat in Ft. Madison, Iowa and later served as a pit boss at Casino Magic in Bossier, Louisiana that later was named Boomtown before being promoted to the position of table games manager at Seminole Casino in Immokalee, Florida. She was adored and respected by co-workers and patrons alike.
Laura Lee cherished rich relationships with family and friends. Her mantra in recent days was “my family was the love of my life,” which was reflected in the way she lavished her love, support, and resources on her many family members. Not only was she exceedingly generous, but also fun-loving, loyal, affirming, and unforgettable. A beach lover at heart, Laura Lee loved nothing more than bringing together friends or family for lively celebrations at the beach or around the swimming pool of her Naples home.
Survivors include one sister: Rachella Dravis of Denmark; two brothers: Keating (Janet) Hissem of Montrose and Kenny (Kerry) Cooper of Ft. Madison; one sister-in-law: Julie Aubé of Tenerife, Spain; eight nieces and nephews: Heather (Matt) Fuger, Jeremy (Kelli) Hissem, Kelsey (Ben) Summers, Kole (Zak Victory) Cooper, Kameron (Makenzie) Cooper, Emma (Brady) Roth, Marie Esther Aubé-Cooper, Aranxta Aubé-Cooper; ten great-nieces and nephews: Lily (Brian) Hayes, Keating, Kinsey, Kaylin, Blake, Lorelai, Layne, Greyson, Cade, and Cael.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brother: Jeffrey Cooper; and brother-in-law: Bradley Dravis.
Via organ donation, Laura Lee’s final and lasting gift to the world was the gift of life and sight.
A visitation will be held from 1:00p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, February 21, 2024, at Schmitz Funeral Home in West Point, where the family will receive friends from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, February 22, 2024, at Schmitz Funeral Home in West Point with Dana Leahy and Heather Fuger officiating.
Burial will be held at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Ft. Madison.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in her memory.
