Christine "Masak" Lesley Cooper

Dec 22, 1974 -

Apr 18, 2026

Christine "Masak" Lesley Cooper, 51, of Nikiski, Alaska, passed away on April 18, 2026, at the home of a family member.

A viewing will be held from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., followed by a service from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday, April 27, 2026, at Peninsula Memorial Chapel, 5839 Kenai Spur Highway in Kenai, Alaska. She will be laid to rest at the McGahan Cemetery following services.

Christine was born on Dec. 22, 1974, in Soldotna, Alaska, and remained a lifelong Alaskan. She graduated from Nikiski High School in 1993, and later attended Highline Community College in Des Moines, Wash. She also completed training at BCTI in Tukwila, Wash., and earned professional certification as a Certified Welding Inspector (NACE Level 2).

Christine dedicated over two decades of her life to Alaska's oil and gas industry. Her career reflected both versatility and determination, with roles ranging from roustabout to quality assurance and quality control inspector. She was also skilled as an equipment operator, warehouse worker, welder, pipefitter and crew lead. Her strong work ethic and commitment to excellence earned her the respect of colleagues throughout her career. She retired in 2019 to focus on her family and pursue other interests.

Outside of work, Christine found joy in quilting, sewing and crocheting. She loved fishing—both for subsistence and sport—gardening and traveling, and was passionate about wellness advocacy. She had a deep appreciation for the outdoors and a creative spirit that touched many aspects of her life.

Christine is survived by her husband, Karl Cooper of Nikiski; children, Emily Cooper (and Rikki Sickel) of Nikiski, Kyle Cooper of Nikiski, Augustus Gaetke of Anchorage, Alaska, Corin Cooper of Nikiski, and Treasa Walch of Anchorage; and cherished grandchildren, Dane, Salem, Natalie, Melinda, Valerie, Susitna and Tazlina. She is also survived by her siblings: Lillian Johnson, Billy-Gene Leavitt, Darlene Clark-Nelson, Sandy Leavitt and Mike Leavitt Jr.

She was preceded in death by her father, Mike Leavitt; and granddaughter, Stella Cooper.

Christine will be remembered for her strength, resilience and the deep love she had for her family and community. Her legacy lives on through those who knew and loved her.