Sophie L Cooper

Feb 23, 2022

in 1910-1929 (Born), Born or raised in Newark (high school or before), Jewish Women, Politics & Government, Religious, Social Work, Civic and Philanthropy

1912-1971

Sophie L Cooper was Newark’s first elected councilwoman, in the South Ward from 1957-1962. She was appointed unanimously by the Council after the death of her husband in Jan 1957, and then was elected in a special election in Nov 1957, and again in May 1958.

After being elected she stated she wanted to extend Newark’s “new look” into residential neighborhoods and not just downtown. She also mentioned the care of alcoholics and the mentally ill as priorities. She also discussed created a “clearinghouse” women’s group to contribute ideas to the government. She said, “I expect to work and I hope to accomplish things my husband started. We always worked together.”

Sophie was eventually defeated by Lee Bernstein in an upset runoff amid debate over Route 78 cutting through the South Ward.

Other than her political work, Sophie was very active in civic and religious groups including organizing the Newark Junior Haddasah at age 15 and helping organize the women’s division of the American Jewish Congress of Essex County. She was active in the League of Women Voters, National Council of Jewish Women and the Council of Negro Women. She was former President of the Women’s Division of the United Jewish Appeal. She was a board member of the Jewish Community Council and the Daughters of Israel Home for the Aged. She was on the Advisory Committee for Martland Medical Center. She was chairman of the building fund for the South Ward YMWHA. She was first president of the Junior Daughters of Israel of the Oranges and Maplewood.

Sophie was born Sophie Friedman and graduated Peshine Ave, Central High in Nov 1929 and NJ College for Women. In Newark she lived on Badger Avenue and then at 298 Goldsmith Ave