Ida Cooper, co-founder of longtime supplier Island Pen, passed away on Aug. 12. She was 89.

Born in Jersey City, Ida grew up in Brooklyn during the Great Depression and graduated high school at age 15 with a full academic scholarship to Cornell University. However, family finances dictated that she work as a fulltime bookkeeper instead.

Ida and her husband, Milton Cooper, launched Island Pen (line names: Kwik-Klik and Stacie Pens) in 1952. When Milton suddenly died in 1978, Ida took the reins before selling to Bullet (asi/42424) in 2008. Top 40 supplier Polyconcept North America (asi/78897) acquired Bullet in 2006.

“Ida’s attention to detail, clever marketing promotions and intensive mentorships were [exemplary],” said Anna Dibble, owner and president of Dibble & Dibble (asi/180291). “She was an excellent businesswoman at a time when women did not regularly participate in the business world as owner/managers. She is loved and remembered by her two daughters, Mindy and Lisa, and many dear friends.”

If you would like to send a note to the family, please send to anna@dibble2.com.