Clara Mary Cooper

Clara Cooper of Metcalfe passed away peacefully after a brief illness at the Township of Osgoode Care Centre on Fri., Feb. 27, 2009. She was 82.
She was the beloved wife of the late Norman Cooper and loving mother of Gary (Doris), Bruce (Donna), and Dennis (Connie). She was the cherished gran of Cheryl Cooper (Hugh McEwen) and Cory (Amanda), Troy (Janet) and Stephanie (Jim Rowe), Evan and Erin. She was the great-gran of Kate and Stuart McEwen, Ashlyn Cooper, Daulton Cooper, and Kira Rowe, and the dear sister of Albert Morrison (Shirley). She was predeceased by siblings Velma Cassidy, Edna Cooper, Harry Morrison, Elsie Scott, and Elgin Morrison.
Clara was born May 26, 1926, the daughter of Henry and Maggie Morrison. She spoke fondly of growing up on a 100-acre farm north of Metcalfe on the 9th Concession Road. In today's world, she probably would have been a nurse, as she spent her life looking after folks young and old.
On April 18, 1942, at the age of 15, she married neighbour Normie Cooper, who was 10 years her senior. Finances were always tight in those times and she would work at housekeeping, or the two would play music at dances to make extra money. With Normie on the fiddle, Clara would play chords on the piano or guitar, and together they would sing. Later, their lads would join them playing music for parties. In recent years, she was proud to have her family, including four generations, come and entertain her friends at the Stanley Apartments.
In 1952, Normie and Clara were given a half acre lot off the corner of the Cooper farm. Their house became the drop-in spot when family came "out home." Their friends were always welcome. Her nephews and nieces relished the visits to Auntie Clara's. She was proud of having helped build homes and cottages for her three boys.
Sports were a large part of her life. She curled, fished, and spent the rest of her spare time avidly watching her children's and grandchildren's athletic ventures.
In 1983, they moved to the Stanley Apartments in Metcalfe, where she enjoyed living for the next 25 years. There, she took on the role of caretaker to many.
Her volunteer interests included the care centre, Metcalfe United Church, home support, and Canadian Cancer Society. In January 2008, she moved to Dundas Manor, as osteoarthritis made independent living too difficult. When a bed became available at the Township of Osgoode Care Centre in October 2008, it was a homecoming.
Family and friends paid their respects at the Daley Family Funeral Home on Mon., March 3, 2008. The funeral service was held in the chapel on Tuesday at 11 am with Rev. Maggie Melanson officiating. Spring interment will take place at Metcalfe Union Cemetery.
Memorial donations to the Township of Osgoode Care Centre would be most appreciated.