Obituary of Dianne Kay Levine Cooper

Dianne Kay Levine Cooper, age 79, died on March 23, 2025, in San Marcos, California from a very aggressive glioblastoma which was diagnosed in early December 2024. She faced this diagnosis with great bravery. Her death was peaceful, at home, and with her family. While she was filled with sorrow at leaving those she loved, she had the good and natural death she had both hoped and planned for.

Survivors include her husband of 59 years, David J Cooper, with whom she shared an unbreakable bond of love and friendship from the age of fifteen. Also surviving her death are her deeply cherished children: Nathaniel “Nate” Neff-Cooper and Elanor Rachel (née Cooper) Van Der Vorste, and their wonderful spouses, brought into the family as additional children to love, Marcie Neff-Cooper and Ryan Van Der Vorste, as well as Dianne and David’s adored grandchildren: Phoebe and Luke Neff-Cooper, Wilken and Jake Van Der Vorste. Also surviving are deeply loved sisters: Jane Levine (son Nicholas Beatty) and Barbara Leigh (husband Ronnie Leigh) as well as many dear family members and close long-term friends.

Dianne was born in Denver, Colorado to Phyllis Harris Levine and Dr. Edward Harold Levine, both of whom were second generation Denverites. After spending two years at the University of Pennsylvania, Dianne finally yielded to David’s entreaties and moved to Berkeley, California where they married in 1966. That same year she graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of California, Berkeley.

In 1979 she and her family moved to Bakersfield, California. She completed her master’s degree at California State University Bakersfield and became licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist while raising children and experiencing the heartbeat of her deepest love within her family. Dianne practiced as a therapist for over thirty-five years. Her career was a calling, and she cherished the meaning and sustenance it provided her. She remained until her death grateful for the opportunities afforded to her that enabled her to support the growth, development and healing of the many people with whom she shared profound human moments.

Rather than flowers (which Dianne loved) she asked that if you wish to do so, you make a donation to the charity or cause of your choice. If undecided, Dianne asked that we share some of her favorites:  Bakersfield Homeless Center, The Gleaners, The Bakersfield Museum of Art, the Democratic Party (!), Doctors Without Borders, Amnesty International, National Association for the Mentally Ill, Planned Parenthood.

The above obituary was drafted by Dianne herself, with a few updated changes made by her family. David adds the following thoughts: As Dianne’s partner in virtually a lifelong love affair, I am of course devastated by my loss. The same is true of the rest of our family and friends and of Dianne’s former clients. We are grateful for all who have reached out to us and to Dianne during these difficult months. We all look forward to the time when we can move from the profound loss that we feel and are able to focus on our extraordinarily good fortune to have had Dianne “Dizi” in our lives.

A celebration of Dianne's life will be announced at a later date. Feldman Mortuary has family contact information for those who wish to send condolences or who would like to be notified when celebration of life details are available.