Catherine J. Cooper

Our Mother whom we call "Granny" was born May 21, 1927 to Norah and John Holleran of Carrick (Pittsburgh), PA. She and our father Robert Edward Cooper whom we call "Pap" moved with their 6 children to Hollywood Florida in 1970. Granny and Pap lived next to their oldest son Bobby and his family for nearly 40 years and settled in Plantation for about 25 years.

Granny enjoyed dancing the Jitter Bug at "Sullies" in Pittsburgh with a special group of High School friends with whom she remained in contact. She loved Foreign films, Broadway Musicals, Music by the Andrew Sisters, Glenn Miller Orchestra, Johnny Mathis, Barry Manilow, Paul McCartney, and Anne Murray to name a few. She treasured her time on the golf course with her husband, family, and special friends, and was a member of a Bowling League where she was known to often bowl scores above 250. Granny savored everything Irish and was often heard "Laughing Loudly" during cocktail hour with Pap, her children and grandchildren. She liked playing the slots and was quite lucky! Granny had gifted intelligence and freely provided her sharp wit and wisdom to anyone who sought guidance, comfort, and laughter. Granny also worked as a Unit Secretary at Memorial Hospital Intensive Care for about 16 years after raising her children. She loved helping others.

Granny was a devoted Catholic with powerful faith and attended mass regularly with St Bernard's being her most recent place of worship. Granny said that she lived by the St Francis Prayer of Assisi and sought to provide peace, love, pardon, faith, hope, light, joy, and understanding in everything she did. We will miss Granny deeply and profoundly.

Granny is survived by her 6 children: Robert Edward Cooper, Junior & Betsy Ann; Claudia Jean Soloman & Dr. Jerome Alan; Martin John Cooper & Cyd; Mary Jo Williams & Russell Paul; Dr. Joan Theresa Cooper & Penelope Jean; and Michael Patrick Cooper & Ashley Michelle; and her Nephews William Washabaugh & Yvonne; and David Washabaugh. Granny is also survived by 9 Grandchildren: Jude Christopher Cooper & Danielle Marie, Erin Elizabeth Cooper Aaron & Scott Marshall, April Catherine Cooper Bates & Ryan Carlton, David Robert Soloman & Samanda Kay, Joseph Russell Williams, Robert Edward Cooper, III, Tyler Michael Cooper, Jean Elena Williams, and Kendall Brianne Cooper; and 10 Great Grandchildren: Marin, Luci, Liam, Luke, Lila, Nate, Jesse, Shawn, and 2 new babies expected this fall.

Granny is preceded in death by her husband of 65 years Robert Edward Cooper (Pap); her sister Mary Dorothy Washabaugh (Aunt Dot) & William (Uncle Bill); and her dear friend Rose Meehan and Rose's daughter Jean Anne.

Our Granny, Catherine Jean Cooper lived life to the fullest and would want us to do the same with all of the love in our hearts that was and is so freely given by her.

If friends so desire, contributions given in memory of Catherine Jean Cooper may be directed to St. Jude Children's Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 www.stjude.org or to St Gabriel Catholic Church, 731 North Ocean Blvd., Pompano Beach, FL 33062. Flowers can be delivered to St. Gabriel Catholic Church by 12:00 Noon, Saturday, August 24, 2013.