M. Rita (Carroll) “Rae” Cooper-Atwell, died on the 8th of October at the Hebert Nursing Home in Smithfield, RI surrounded by her devoted family. She was a long time resident of Lake Shore Drive, Johnston, and most recently The Village at Waterman Lake in Smithfield. Rae was the wife of the late Edmund G. Cooper and the late Thomas F. Atwell. She was the loving sister of Helen Madeiros of Warwick. Born in New York City, Rae was the daughter of the late Annie (Trayner) Carroll and James Carroll. As a child, she lived in the Mount Pleasant section of Providence. Rae graduated from the Blessed Sacrament School, Central High School and attended classes at Rhode Island College and several business schools. She was a member of Saint Philip’s Church in Greenville for over 50 years and was the past president of the St. Philip’s Women’s Club and of the St. Philip’s Rosary Sodality. Rae was a technical instructor at Davies Vocational School and taught data processing at several other business schools. She was also a licensed real estate broker. Rae was a 4-H leader in both Johnston and South Providence. She was a member of Smithfield Senior Center. Rae enjoyed playing all types of card games, scrabble and dancing. She loved the company of the other people. Rae is survived by two sons, Edmund G. Cooper, Jr. and his wife Ann of Greenville and Joseph B. Cooper of Coventry and 4 daughters Andrea Gledhill of Greenville, Diane L. Cardillo and her husband, Robert of Johnston, Donna A. Carlson and her husband David of North Scituate and Mary Ann Palumbo and her husband Robert of Warwick. She was a Grandmother to 17 grandchildren and “Gi Gi” to 16 great grandchildren.
Her funeral will be held Thursday at 8:30am from the ANDERSON-WINFIELD Funeral Home, Route 44 at Greenville Common, Greenville. Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30am in St. Philip Church, 622 Putnam Pike, Greenville. Burial in RI Veterans Cemetery. Visitation Wednesday 4-8pm. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Blessed Sacrament School 240 Regent Avenue, Providence, RI 02908. If you need a ride to visitation or the funeral please call Anderson-Winfield Chauffeured Services at 401 949 5557.