LOTTSBURG—Kathleene Cooke O’Bier died on November 10, 2025, at the age of 94.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Aaron H. O’Bier Jr.; and her brother, Dr. Samuel L. Cooke, Jr.
She was born at Walter Reed Hospital, Washington, D.C., to Samuel L. Cooke and Helen Anderson Cooke. Her father served under General George Patton in World War II as commander of an evacuation hospital in north Africa. Growing up as an Army dependent, she moved frequently and attended schools in Arkansas, Indiana, Kentucky, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Virginia and Washington, D.C.
She attended the University of Richmond, graduating Phi Beta Kappa with a degree in chemistry. She worked at the DuPont Research Laboratory, then at the Department of Pharmacology at Medical College of Virginia. After completing his graduate degree, her husband’s teaching career took them to Stetson University in Deland, Fla., Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Newberry College, Newberry, S.C., and a summer research grant at the University of California Berkeley, Calif. She was a Girl Scout leader in Florida and South Carolina.
After moving to Virginia, she worked part time for the Northumberland Social Services in the fuel assistance program. For 10 years she conducted a diet class in both Warsaw and Montross. She was active in the Northumberland Public Library for 30 years from its early start in two rooms over law offices in Heathsville until its final move into a new building. While serving as a volunteer president of the library board for one term, she helped to organize the “Friends of the Library.” She enjoyed art classes, aerobics, yoga, playing bridge, Red Hat Ladies and traveling.
Her travels included most European countries, the Scandinavian countries, Russia, Alaska, Hawaii, England, Scotland and Ireland. She felt blessed to have had a full, satisfying and interesting life, and for spending her last years here in the Northern Neck.
She is survived by her nieces, Annette Bartlett and Cynthia Cooke; and two nephews, Samuel Cooke III and Raymond Cooke. She is also survived by her husband’s sister, Ann Bartlett (James) and family.
A graveside service will be held at 11a.m. Friday, November 14, at Melrose Methodist Church Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Melrose Methodist Church, Mid-County Rescue Squad, or to the charity of your choice.
The family would like to thank her extended family of caregivers: Theresa Jones, Blanche Rich, Tae Samuel, Michelle Rice Veney and Leslie Holmes for the great care and love given over the last five years.
Welch Funeral Home of Warsaw handled the arrangements.
