Freida Mary Cooper, 86, of Lynchburg, passed away Saturday, January 21, 2012. Her three children were at her side. Born in Newton Falls, NY, she was the daughter of Joseph and Mary Wilson Eno. She was predeceased by her husband of fifty-three years, Howard B. Cooper.
Mrs. Cooper is survived by daughters Suzanne Morris, and Barbara Batchelder and husband Bob, son Gregory Cooper and wife Teresa; grandsons Cameron Cooper and Nathan Harbin and wife Kristen, and great-grandson Ethan Harbin; and a very special niece Ann Birdsall and husband Gordy. She will be greatly missed by her family for whom she had tremendous love and pride.
Her journey in life began on the family dairy farm in Newton Falls on which she worked and learned to drive a truck at the age of 12. During WWII, with her brothers in the service, she drove the delivery route before going to school each day. She then went to Syracuse where she worked in advertising at General Electric and met her future husband. The next phase of her life was spent raising three children and supporting her husband through multiple career moves up and down the eastern US. She saw each move as a new adventure and always made the new location feel like home.
Her family has seen her as a gardener, a bowler, a writer, collector of many things, fisherwoman, camper, a would-be inventor, but most of all, she was just “Mom.” She led her life with grace and dignity and was often characterized as an elegant lady. She was frequently complimented for her striking smile and beautiful platinum hair.
During the last two years of her life she could be found exercising three days a week at the Y with daughter Barbara. She loved being with family and friends whether it was for shopping, going out to eat, or family celebrations, and we could always count on her to comment that every time together had been special.
Funeral services will be conducted 1:00 PM, Friday, January 27, 2012, at Tharp Funeral Chapel with Deacon Gordon Cartwright officiating. Burial will follow in Virginia Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Thursday, January 26, 2012; from 7:00 to 8:30 PM. Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting the family, www.tharpfuneralhome.com, 237-9424.
