Mary Ellen (Garey) Cooper, 86, of Mattapoisett, died November 30 at Brandon Woods Nursing Home in New Bedford. She was the wife of Frank E. Cooper, Sr.
Born in Flushing, NY, on June 15, 1931, Mary later moved with her parents, the late Mary (Malek) Garey and George Garey, to Somerville, MA, where she graduated from Somerville High School. Mary worked at John Hancock Insurance Company in Boston prior to marrying in 1951, having six children, and living all over the United States in her 23 years as a Marine Corps wife. She especially loved living in Hawaii, saying the saddest day of her life was when they had to leave that paradise. She moved to Mattapoisett village with her family in 1964 and fell in love with the town beach, the band concerts, and Center School playground, which served as her family’s front yard. She was a talented figure skater and taught her children and grandchildren how to skate on frozen cranberry bogs and local ice rinks.
Mary retired from the financial division at Compass Bank in New Bedford in 1993 after 18 years. She enjoyed an active retirement with her husband on trips to Europe, long cycling trips, attending Broadway musicals, picnicking at PawSox games, cooking with her grandchildren, and being inseparable from her beloved Jack Russell Terrier, Molly.
She is survived by her husband of 66 years, Frank E. Cooper, Sr., and her sons Frank E. Cooper, Jr. and his companion, Sue Brownell, of Mattapoisett, Timothy J. Cooper of Mattapoisett, Thomas M. Cooper, Sr. of Mattapoisett, Michael J. Cooper and his companion, Kim Faria, of New Bedford, and daughter, Christine A. Cooper, of Mattapoisett. She leaves behind three grandchildren: Christopher Cooper of FL, Thomas M. Cooper, Jr. of Mattapoisett, and Bridgette Cooper and her fiance Allen Ferreira of New Bedford. She also leaves two step-grandchildren, Jennifer Gill of Fairhaven and Robert Gill of New Hampshire. She was also great-grandmother to Lacey E. Cooper of Minot, N. Dakota and step-great grandmother to Chandra Perez-Gill and Mischa Tomasia , both of Fairhaven. Mary was predeceased by her son, Robert. G. Cooper of Tampa, FL, her daughter-in-law, Linda E. Cooper of Marion, and her grandson, Patrick J. Cooper of New Bedford.
Her visiting hours will be held on Tuesday Dec. 5th from 4-7 PM at the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Route 6, Mattapoisett. Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday Dec. 6th at 9:30 AM at St. Anthony’s Church in Mattapoisett. Burial will follow in the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation, in Mary’s name, to the Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org. For directions and guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.
I’ve hesitated for a long time, but as her 4th, still living, grandchild, I wish to send my love to my Grandmother.
We did not have much opportunity to spend time together in life, but on the occasions we did see or talk with each other, she always made some effort to connect with me.
We missed out on a great deal, and I regret that and grieve what was lost, but I am grateful for the memories I still carry of her.
May she have solace & peace in eternity.