Historical Marker

Sister Emily Cooper

Historical marker location:

Louisville, Kentucky

( Cave Hill Cemetery, Louisville)

She served as the first Episcopal Deaconess in charge of the Home of the Innocents from 1880 until her retirement in 1904. She oversaw the baptisms of 284 infants and developed & administered the first kindergarten at the Home in 1888. She retired due to failing health and lived out her remaining years at Orphanage of the Good Shepherd.

Reverse

Due in part to Sister Emily’s faith, love, and care, the Home of the Innocents grew from a “struggling little mission” into one of the main charity organizations in Louisville. She was laid to rest in this spot among the unmarked graves of 77 infants & children from the Home of the Innocents who died between 1880 and 1900.