Mary T. (Stern) Cooper

Mary T. (Stern) Cooper, of New Cumberland, passed away on November 20, 2020, at home, with family by her side. Daughter of the late Robert and Helen (Becker) Stern, she was born on April 11, 1944 in Buffalo, NY.

Growing up in Buffalo, Mary attended Mount Mercy Academy, and then went on to Fredonia State University of New York. She married her husband, Joseph A. Cooper, in August of 1963. Working on the railroad, Joe’s job would take he and Mary all over as their young family multiplied. They finally settled in Central Pennsylvania in 1975. She relished in her role as a mother and homemaker, and was certainly the matriarch of her family. Although she was loving and family-oriented, she was also no-nonsense, with a feisty spitfire way to her. She was a longtime member of St. Theresa Catholic Church, New Cumberland, and for the past few years, attended Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Enola. She was fun and enjoyed her friends; she bowled, played cards and would host Trivial Pursuit nights at the house. Nothing got her fired up like politics, and her emotional conversations only got more “spirited” over the past four years. She also had a softer side, as she enjoyed reading mystery novels, writing poetry, and even authoring a couple of children’s books throughout the years.

Mary is survived by her children, Eileen M. Lowry of Etters; Paul A. Cooper (Beth) of Hoover, AL, Michael J. Cooper (Laura) of Annapolis, MD, and Thomas H. Cooper (Tara) of Camp Hill; grandchildren, Michael J. Lowry (Nicole), Sarah M. Austin (Brad), Dustin L. Lowry, Dylan L. Lowry and Serena M. Lowry, Morgan Cooper and Dalton Cooper (Katie), Alex Cooper (Jessica), Zac Cooper and Spencer Cooper; great-grandchildren, Layna and Collin Lowry, Fern and Zella Austin, Charlotte Cooper and Eli Cooper; brothers and sisters, Robert Stern, Michael Stern, Thomas Stern, Judy Schulz and Kathy Flick; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph A. Cooper; and a sister, Susan Colvin.

A private graveside service will take place in Emanuel Cemetery, Lewisberry, where she will join her husband. The family intends to hold a celebration of life when the climate permits, so please look for that information in the future.