She navigated the ever-shifting tides of American politics through a time of constant change and upheaval, and devoted her life to advancing causes she held dear.

Frances “Ranny” Cooper of Newton has died at the age of 78, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Born to David and Audrey Cooper—the dedicated public school employee for whom the Cooper Center for Active Living is named—Ranny Cooper was raised in Newton and graduated from Newton North High School and, according to her obituary, went to the University of Rochester in New York.

After college, she jumped into politics and volunteered for the campaign of Father Robert Drinan, an anti-war Jesuit priest running for Congress in 1970. Drinan won and would serve a decade in Congress, and Cooper stayed on as his chief of staff.

Later, Cooper was executive director of the Women’s Campaign Fund and worked for Sen. Edward M. Kennedy as his chief of staff. After leaving government, she became president of Weber Shandwick’s public affairs practice.

Throughout her life, Cooper stayed involved in efforts aimed at making a difference that could be seen nationwide. She worked with the Women’s Legal Defense Fund in public advocacy for the Family and Medical Leave Act. She was one of the founders of Emily’s List and a board member of the National Partnership for Women & Families, the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation, and Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival, and a member of the Board of Overseers of the Boston Symphony Orchestra and the Edward M. Kennedy Institute.

Shiva will be observed at the home of Marion and David Pollock on Tuesday, Oct. 14, from 7 to 9 p.m., and Wednesday, Oct., 15 from 2 to 4 p.m. A memorial service will be Friday, Oct. 24, at 11:30 a.m. at Temple Shalom, 175 Temple St., West Newton.

Cooper’s service will be viewable on livestream: https://www.templeshalom.org/livestream

You can read her full obituary online.