Bench by a pond dedicated to Cooper

Seat at Cary site has a portrait of slain woman

CARY -- Nancy Cooper loved to take her girls to Symphony Lake in Regency Park and throw bread crumbs to the swans skimming across the lake.

On Sunday, her family and friends put a piece of her there permanently. A granite bench, engraved with Cooper's portrait, now sits on the pond's northeastern bank, dedicated to her memory.

Cooper, 34, was found slain in July, two days after her husband said she went out for a morning jog and never returned. She left behind two young daughters.

Sunday's dedication of the bench was a quiet, tender moment in a case that's grown increasingly bitter and inflamed. Her family, Canadian residents, thanked a smattering of Nancy Cooper's friends for their kindness and encouragement since their daughter's death.

Garry Rentz, Nancy's father, bragged on Cary and the loving community his daughter found when she and her husband, Bradley Cooper, settled in the area more than eight years ago.

"Her love was divided between where she grew [up] and Cary," Rentz said. "It's a real pleasure to leave something behind [in Cary]."

Police have arrested no one for Cooper's slaying. Police have heavily scrutinized Bradley Cooper; the head detective in the case said last week in court documents that Bradley Cooper had been uncooperative with their investigation.

The Coopers' young daughters -- 4-year-old Bella and 2-year-old Katie -- are caught in a public custody battle that will continue to play out this week.

The girls have been living in Canada with Nancy Cooper's parents and sister.

A judge turned over emergency custody to Nancy Cooper's relatives after determining that Bradley Cooper posed a risk to the girls and was unfit as a parent. They have petitioned the court to remain guardians to the girls.

Bradley Cooper is fighting to win back custody. A hearing is set for Thursday.