We Remember

COOPER, Maria “Mary”

—

It is with the deepest sorrow that we share the passing of our mother, Maria “Mary” Cooper (née Friesen) on April 11, 2024.

Our Mom was born in Adelsheim, Ukraine in 1932. When WW2 broke out in 1939, her father was taken as a political prisoner of war where he eventually perished, leaving our grandmother, mom, and her six siblings to begin their journey to freedom. They spent the next few years finding ways to flee Russia, living in refugee camps and train box cars prior to arriving in Hanover, Germany where they stayed for a few years. Then with the help of the Red Cross and a sponsor family in Kelowna, BC, Mom and her family boarded a ship and began the journey to North America and arrived in Nova Scotia, Canada in 1947. Soon after, they travelled cross-country by train to Kelowna where their large family lived in a 2-bedroom house built by her Uncle Henrich, the house is still located at Clement Avenue. Mom needed to adapt to her new life in Canada, at the age of 15, very quickly.

Mom met Jack Cooper while working at a fruit packing house in the north end of Kelowna, and in 1963 they got married and raised their two sons, Richard and Colin. Mom and Dad enjoyed polka dancing and parties with family and friends. As a family we went on annual trips to the Shuswap and Vancouver Island salmon fishing as well as many local camping trips. Other trips included Hawaii, 2 trips to Disneyland, and Colorado to visit family.

The most important thing for Mom was family. She appreciated and did whatever she could for us with love.

You were never to leave Mom’s house hungry. There was always plenty to eat, from many different types of dishes, including many types of soups, baking, salads, and desserts. The German Plouse and Kuchen was always a favourite, made with the fruit of the season. There was also much fruit available, whether that be from the backyard fruit trees or from the stores and local farmers.

Mom was predeceased, by her parents, David & Anna Friesen; her husband, Gordon “Jack” Cooper; her brother, Vic Friesen; and her sisters, Helen Penner, Val Weibe, and Wanda Horkoff; as well as her nieces, Karen Milsted and Erika Tiessen. She is survived by and leaves behind her sons, Richard (Carmelle) and Colin (Kathy); 3 granddaughters, Ashley, Kayla, and Megan, and 1 grandson, Nathan. She also leaves behind 2 sisters, Annie Reimer and Katie Janzen; sisters-in-law; and many nieces & nephews.

Mom is now resting peacefully, together again with Dad, and she leaves behind a legacy of beautiful memories.

A very special thank-you goes to all the amazing caregivers and support staff at Sun point Village on Rutland Road in Kelowna. Donations can be made to the Alzheimer Society of Canada.

A Funeral Service, Celebrant Kim Bergstrom Officiating, will be held FRIDAY, APRIL 19, 2024, at 10:00 AM, at SPRINGFIELD FUNERAL HOME: 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC.  If you are unable to attend in person, please join the family online by Livestream at the time of the service (see below), a recording will be made available to view shortly thereafter.

If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area call “Condolences”.

LIVESTREAM:

Service
FRIDAY, APRIL 19, 2024, at 10:00 AM

Location
SPRINGFIELD FUNERAL HOME

Share with Others:

Share on Facebook
Share Via Email

Send Condolences
Send Flowers, Sympathy Card or Comfort Meal
Alzheimer Society of Canada Link: alzheimer.ca

 


Service Information

Service Details


The service for COOPER, Maria “Mary” is scheduled for FRIDAY, APRIL 19, 2024, at 10:00 AM. Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.

Address & Contact for Service Location:

SPRINGFIELD FUNERAL HOME

2020 Springfield Road Kelowna, BC

Phone:

Special Requests:

None.

Funeral Pointers:

 


Condolences

  • Carol Hawkes says:
    April 18, 2024 at 8:56 pm

    Richard, Colin and families, sincere condolences on the passing of your mom. I have vivid memories of your mom in her kitchen and garden. She was a fun Auntie. Our mom especially is truly heartbroken. So sorry for your loss. Carol Hawkes and the the Janzen family

    Reply
  • Janet Ford says:
    April 19, 2024 at 9:23 am

    Richard, Colin and families. I’m so sorry to hear of Aunty Mary’s passing. She truly had a heart of gold. I still talk about her amazing peach pies and the fun we had when she hosted my bridal shower. My boys still remember going to her townhouse and trimming her yard and how sweet she was to them.
    I’m sure uncle Jack was waiting anxiously for her so he could take her under his wing once again. Sorry I’m not able to attend her celebration of life, and I hope the memories you all share let you know how truly special she was. Sending you all a big hug.
    Janet and family

    Reply

Leave a Condolence Message for the Family


» To share your condolence on this page please fill out the requested fields.
» If you have a photo to share, please do so as families appreciate it. To share a photo (please note, just one photo per condolence please), click the 'Choose File' button and select a photo from your computer.
» Once you are done, click the 'Share' button.
» Your email is never published or shared. Your name and email are both required.

NOTE: all messages will go through an administrative process before being posted.

Testimonials

They took care of me like family.

Judith Szabo

Everything was so organized and pertinent to what we needed. Everyone we met was kind, courteous and very helpful during our emotional and challenging time. Thank you so much.

Heather Mayne

They were so prompt on answering any questions and changing things. They were prepared and respected any religious decisions. The process was so seamless and made easy in such a high stress situation.

Tanya Kohar

In the past 2 years Springfield has helped us through the death of my Mother and my Father. Their response and help allowed us to focus on the remaining family rather than worrying about details of the funeral and all the notifications that are required upon a death.

Terry Eldridge

The atmosphere has been nothing but professional during times of grief.  After the passing of my mother, the staff coached me on the next steps and looked after filling in all the government forms that I needed to sign, which took a huge burden off my mind at the time.

Donald McClure

Everyone was so helpful and kind.  There was no pressure.  They provided exactly what we needed.

Diane Greenwood

From the time I called to the completion of all the services, I received compassionate, attentive and professional care.  There was a sense of caring from each staff member.  I was turning over my Mom to their care and I felt very comfortable with everyone.  I felt heard and never felt pushed into any decision.

Katherine Lewis

I have always found the team at Springfield Funeral Home to be VERY caring, kind, considerate and helpful.  I have and will continue to recommend them to anyone who asks which funeral home would I suggest they use.  No other funeral home I have dealt with even comes close to Springfield Funeral Home.

Ethna Tutt

Right at the onset, I was made very comfortable, there was no pressure.  I was made to feel as if I was the only one they had to serve.

Frances Baum

Everything that was arranged for us was perfect.  Our loved one, husband, father, brother was treated with respect.  Thank you for making this difficult time a little more acceptable via your staff’s obvious caring and respect.

Jacquelene Bluschke