Beverley Joan Bennett Cooper

“Seeing is believing.” For many, those words simply represent a motto. But for Beverley Joan Cooper, it summarized in every way who she was. She was modest, quiet and observant, taking in everything around her and always thinking before acting. She was a realist, someone who was efficient and practical in everything she did. She was a friendly person who truly cared about those around her.

      Beverley was born on October 17, 1926 at home in Point Anne, Ontario. She was the daughter of Franklin and Jenny Bennett. Raised in Point Anne and Belleville, Ontario, she was brought up to be tolerant and trustworthy. As a child, she learned to be conscientious, responsible and punctual. These were all traits that she would carry with her throughout her life.

      As a young girl, Beverley was always aware of how others around her felt and this quality served her well. With a deep capacity to tolerate the feelings of others, Beverley was generally able to avoid conflicts. It seemed as if Beverley was the family member who was always working to keep stress at bay. Preferring a quiet environment where she could concentrate, Beverley also had the ability to relate well with her family and friends. Beverley was raised with seven siblings, Douglas, Gwyneth, Donald, Shirley, Richard, Jean and Phillip. Beverley was constantly involved in activities with her family. Beverley and her siblings had the typical rivalries while growing up but they deeply cared for each other and shared many life experiences over the years.

      Beverley enjoyed learning. She always had a great memory and was particularly skilled at retaining factual information. Beverley was generally quiet in class, learning best through observation. She often showed great concentration and was competent at completing the tasks at hand. Good with details, Beverley was painstaking and accurate in her efforts. All of these talents culminated in a successful high school career. She graduated from Belleville Collegiate and Vocational Institute (BCVI) in 1943. Beverley enjoyed some courses more than others, having favourite subjects and teachers.

      Most folks would say that Beverley was shy until they got to know her. Those who were privileged to know her well learned that she was a solid, good friend. Beverley was reluctant to generalize about people, and she based her friendships on her personal experiences. Because of this, Beverley best trusted those people that she truly knew. She was concerned about how those around her felt, and she always seemed to uncover the positive side of people. She could relate to others and had the ability to see their point of view, to “walk a mile in their shoes,” as the saying goes. The friends that she made, Beverley kept. While growing up, some of her best friends were Joyce Coleman, Marion Warren, Marion Gerow, Helen Taverner, Jojo Drew and Doris Akins. She was very best friends with Bunny Button(McLean) her entire life. Beverly also enjoyed having lunch over the years with Betty Morrissey and Grace Kostiuk.

      Love can’t be defined but must be experienced. That was so true for Beverley. On June 25, 1949 Beverley married John Alexander Cooper at Christ Church of Belleville, Ontario. She was totally committed to John and maintained traditional ideals about marriage. It was as if Beverley naturally sensed her spouse’s needs, and accepted those feelings unconditionally. Although Beverley disliked conflict, she did not take flight from discord, but rather sought to preserve harmony even during the most trying times.

      Beverley was a good mother to her children. She had “old fashioned” parental values and could handle typical family conflicts in a fair and calm manner. Because she trusted emotions, Beverley was reluctant to force issues and used gentle persuasion to resolve situations. In this way she seemed to radiate an aura of warmth and caring to those around her, always thinking before acting. Beverley was blessed with three children, two daughters Janice and Jean, and one son, John. They were also blessed with two grandchildren, Jennifer and Jessica.

      If you gave Beverley a deadline, she would meet it. At work, Beverley was always on task. Without hesitation, Beverley could adhere to any assignment and see it through to its completion. Her primary occupation was working in the retail industry. She was employed for 30 years at Zeller's. During that time, Beverley excelled in working with small groups in order to complete assignments. She was able to quickly grasp concrete ideas and could organize and plan the best way to accomplish things with remarkable consistency. Beverley was good at staying on track and was considerate in listening to what others had to say. In this way, Beverley had a true gift for being able to come up with practical resolutions to difficult problems. She was often the team member who managed to put forth a win/win solution for all parties.

      While thorough and measured in her approach to things, Beverley often liked to physically do things rather than just think about them. She was like that with sports. In high school, Beverley played basketball. Recreational sports included tennis. Tops on her list were tennis and figure skating.

      Beverly loved to explore and travelled as often as she could.Favourite vacations included trips to Florida, New York City , the East Coast and leisure time at the cottage.

      Beverley had Skippy, a Pomeranian, who was her best friend for 13 years. Her family was rounded out by her cat, Pirate, her cockatiel, Petey Pie, and her two Pomeranians, Jack and Rod. Beverley was as loyal to her pets as they were to her.

      When Beverley's retirement finally arrived in 1990, she was well prepared. She had taken the time to learn about her various options and chose her course wisely. Her new life involved relocating to Oak Lake. Even in retirement, Beverley continued to stay in touch with her old friends while making plenty of new acquaintances.

      Beverley passed away on September 30, 2010 at Lakeridge Health Oshawa. She is survived by her children Janice, Jean and John, as well as by her grandchildren Jennifer and Jessica. Services were held at Oshawa Funeral Home. Beverley was laid to rest in Belleville Cemetery.

      It is said that some people can’t see the forest for the trees. Beverley was able to focus on each individual tree, tending to its needs, thus making the forest stronger as a whole. Beverley was a trustworthy, pragmatic and sympathetic person, the kind of woman to whom everyone was drawn. She was thorough and practical. Beverley Cooper was very literal with her words. You always knew where you stood with Beverley. She will be missed.

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COOPER, Beverley Joan (nee Bennett)

Passed away peacefully with family by her side at Lakeridge Health Oshawa on Thursday, September 30th, 2010 in her 84th year. Beloved wife of the late Jack (1982). Loving mother of Janice (Steve Proctor), Jean (Garry Mather), John and daughter-in-law Mary Cooper. Cherished Grandmother of Jennifer and Jessica. Dear sister of Douglas, Gwyneth Dow, Shirley (Bruce Edwards), Richard, Jean Hanna and Phil (Joan). Fondly remembered by many nieces and nephews. Friends may call at OSHAWA FUNERAL HOME, 847 King St. West (905-721-1234) for visitation on Monday, October 4th from 7 – 9 P.M. Funeral Service will be held in the Chapel on Tuesday, October 5th at 11:00 A.M. Cremation. Donations may be made to the Ontario S.P.C.A. or the Belleville Children’s Aid Society would be appreciated. Online condolences may be made at www.oshawafuneralhome.com.