Jill Cooper: Celebrating Family, Community, and Tradition

Say hello to Jill Cooper, a dedicated member of our Murrysville community. Jill and her husband, Leighton, recently celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary on June 6th, marking a beautiful milestone in their journey together. This date holds special significance for Jill's family, as her grandmother was married on June 6th in 1933, her mother in 1955, and Jill and Leighton in 1999—a wonderful tradition spanning generations.

Jill’s roots run deep in the area; she grew up in Plum before life’s adventures took her to Cincinnati and Atlanta. After graduating from Plum Senior High School, she earned her BS in Management from Grove City College. Jill began her professional career with the Alcoa Corporation, where she was employed for 14 years. She went on to become vice president of sales and marketing, overseeing inside and outside sales staff, and traveled the world extensively for an Alcoa subsidiary until 2000, when she decided to step away from the business world to focus on raising their two wonderful children, Shelby and Blake.

When the family moved back to the area it was a heartwarming homecoming filled with family reunions and cherished moments. Education has always been a priority for Jill and Leighton, which led them to choose Murrysville for its outstanding school district. Both Shelby and Blake graduated from Franklin Regional, where they thrived both academically and in sports. Shelby went on to Case Western Reserve University, while Blake is now a senior at Penn State Behrend, majoring in Mechanical Engineering and interning at PNC Bank in Supply Chain Management.

Jill’s love for the community extends beyond her family. In 2022, she was elected to the PA State House, representing the 55th District. Her office is a hub for helping constituents navigate state programs, from obtaining birth and death certificates to securing handicap placards and rent rebates. Every Wednesday, they offer Veteran services, showcasing Jill’s commitment to serving others.

Outside of work, Jill enjoys hitting the local golf courses, always up for a tee time. The Coopers are also avid board and card games, making family game nights a beloved tradition.

Vacation time is special for the Coopers, with a yearly trip to the Outer Banks, where they rent a house with Jill’s sister. As their children have grown, they’ve explored various National Parks, with Zion National Park’s Angel’s Landing and The Narrows hike being a family favorite.

On a lighter note, the Coopers’ home is shared with Milo, a well-loved gourmet mutt who has been part of the family since Shelby’s 16th birthday. With his unique mix of breeds, Milo brings joy and laughter to their household.

Jill loves dining at local favorites like Ginny’s and Juniper and The Green Mango in Monroeville. Her dedication to her family, career, and community makes her a truly special neighbor. If you see Jill around town, be sure to say hello!