Ida Cooper, co-founder of Island Pen, now part of Bullet, passed away on August 12. She was 89.

Cooper was born in Jersey City and grew up in Brooklyn. While she graduated high school at 15 with a full academic scholarship to Cornell University, family finances dictated she instead start working as a full-time bookkeeper. At 18, she married Milton Cooper and in 1952, when she was 21, they co-founded Island Pen.

When Milton passed away in 1978, Cooper took over Island Pen and built it up before selling to Bullet in 2008. She retired at 75.

Cooper’s philanthropic work included helping a nonprofit organization sell printed pens and promotional products to become self-supporting. As a result, it enabled many individuals to gain a foothold in the industry and eventually to establish their own businesses. She was a mentor to many sharing her 56 years in the promotional product industry.

Cooper is remembered for her attention to detail, excellent marketing promotions and intensive mentorships. She was also an excellent businesswoman at a time when women were not a large part of the workforce.

Cooper is survived by her daughters Mindy and Lisa, and many dear friends. To send notes to the family, email them to anna@dibble2.com.