LACONIA - Edith A. Cooper, 90, passed away at Genesis Laconia Rehabilitation Center on Tuesday, July 11, 2017, the birthday of her beloved niece, Bethany Cherms.
Edith was born March 19, 1927 to Grant (Burt) and Ruth Albro (Maine) in Providence RI. She grew up in Norwood RI, where the foundation of a life long bond with her sister Shirley flourished. Upon graduating from the James T. Lockwood High School in 1945, Edith attended and graduated from the Pawtucket Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in 1949. Throughout her life, Edith utilized her nursing skills to bring comfort and care to many people in both professional and volunteer capacities.
At a family picnic in 1950, Edith met Beresford (Bud) Cooper, the man that she would eventually marry in 1952. Edith and Bud raised their three sons: Thomas, Bryon and Paul, in Mystic CT. The United Baptist Church of Mystic was a very large part of Edith's life. She was actively involved in the choral and bell choirs as well as embracing education and leadership positions within the Church.
Upon Bud's retirement in 1987, Edith and Bud formalized their affinity for New Hampshire by designing and supervising the construction of a post and beam home on Middle Route in Gilmanton. Edith filled her retirement years coordinating and enjoying any activity that allowed her to spend time with her grandsons, family and extensive network of friends. Of course no gathering or visit could be complete without sampling a home baked cookie or a piece of her famous peanut butter fudge. Edith's passion to be close to God, led her to the United Baptist Church of Lakeport where she immersed herself in music, fellowship and lasting friendships that gratefully supported Edith in her later years.
Edith is survived by sons, Thomas and wife, Dianne of Groton, CT and Bryon and companion, Marcy Stone of Laconia, NH. Her two grandsons, Timothy Cooper of Greenville, SC and Matthew Cooper of Center Harbor NH. Edith's sister, Shirley Morris of Warwick RI and Shirley's children and grandchildren. In addition to her parents, she was also predeceased by Bud; her husband of nearly 50 years, and son, Paul in 2007.
A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 pm on Monday, July 17 at the Union Baptist Church of Lakeport, 23 Park Street, Laconia, NH 03246.
Interment will occur in Mystic, CT at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Edith's memory to the Union Baptist Church of Lakeport, The Lakes Region Visiting Nurse Association, or the donors's organization of choice.
The family wishes to thank the Lakeport wing residents and staff of Genesis Laconia Rehabilitation Center for the thoughtful care and compassion provided to Edith over the past several years, as well as the support provided by many friends that allowed her to stay in her home for as long as possible.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Service 164 Pleasant street, Laconia, NH is assisting the family with the arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial please visist.www.wilkinsonbeane.com.