Holly A. Cooper

In 2016, I relocated my beloved mother, Shirley Cooper, to Memphis, Tennessee, becoming her sole caregiver as she faced nearly two decades of living with Alzheimer’s disease. I purchased our retirement home and, for the next eight years, balanced a demanding career while creating everlasting memories until her peaceful passing on April 5, 2024.

Managing the selection of caregivers through agencies was daunting at times. But it was important to select the best care and most suitable workers, especially because I worked full-time and had financial responsibilities during this journey. So, whether you are single, head of a household, or have a demanding career, the responsibility of caregiver becomes a priority.

My mother was a lifelong educator who taught for over 30 years in the New York City public school system. Known lovingly as “Shorty Rock,” she was small in frame but a true rock- strong, fearless, and full of love. She survived both lung and breast cancer but ultimately couldn’t beat Alzheimer’s, a disease that doesn’t discriminate.

As a child, she instilled in me the importance of education, travel, and compassion. Our family vacations sparked my love for adventure and global perspective. I’m now an avid swimmer, certified scuba diver, and all-around sports fan. But more than anything, she modeled purposeful living and the value of service to others.

She lived by Jackie Robinson’s words:

“A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.”

That belief continues to guide my personal and professional journey. Over the years, I’ve had the honor of serving as a senior communications and marketing leader for mission-driven nonprofit organizations across the country. In 2024, I was named among the Top 50 Business Leaders in Tennessee by Women We Admire, a recognition that reflects both my career achievements and my lifelong commitment to meaningful work.

After years of caring for my mother – researching, coordinating care, managing home safety, navigating hospice, and ultimately arranging end-of-life services, I realized how overwhelming and isolating this process can be. Through trial, error, and determination, I became a subject matter expert in the emotional and logistical challenges that families face when caring for aging loved ones.

I often wished a service like Peaceful Transitions Concierge existed during my journey. That wish became my mission.

People often described my devotion to my mother as a “personal sacrifice,” but I always replied:

“It wasn’t a sacrifice — it was a blessing.”

Balancing caregiving and a full-time career was never easy, but it gave me peace, purpose, and perspective. Those experiences inspired me to create Peaceful Transitions Concierge Services, LLC, a compassionate resource to help families navigate caregiving and end-of-life decisions with clarity, dignity, and grace.

Because family drama during grief is real, and while it’s unfortunate, it doesn’t have to define your journey.
Let me be the person you lean on — guiding you with GRACE through life’s changes.

Everyone was NOT raised by great parents or family members. But despite your past or current relationship, this might be your responsibility, so be prepared.

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