Helen Peterson Cooper

On January 9, 2012, Helen Peterson Cooper went to be with her Lord and Savior. She was 97 years old. She was born in Stoughton, Wisconsin in 1914 to Oscar and Olga (Egner) Hanson. She graduated from Oregon High School in 1932 where she was Prom Queen and had the leading role in the senior play. After high school she worked as a dental assistant for Dr. Ogilvie for “a dollar a day”. In 1938, Walter Peterson pursued this lovely lady for his bride and brought her to Goulds , Florida where they began their life together as a pioneer farm family. Those days were full of challenges but the farm and potato business grew as did her involvement in the community. Helen was a member of the Eastern Star and Worthy Matron, Sunday school teacher at Silver Palm Methodist Church, Brownie and Girl Scout leader, participated in Home Demonstration projects and was an ever-present mother, teacher and friend. Her travels to Israel and Scandinavia with Walter were highlights for her life. She loved to china paint, make hand-stitched quilts, crochet, embroidery, sing and play the piano. After Walter passed in 1982, Helen married Don Cooper in 1984 and they spent time in the mountains of North Carolina. It was there that she painted many beautiful pictures. She was widowed again in 1998. Recently, Helen has been surrounded by her family and enjoyed the ”peace of the Redland”. She is survived by her daughters Ann Maree Walker (Jack) and Sue Eldredge (Craig), grandchildren: Jeff Roberts, Tamara Triana, Kirstin Eldredge, Aaron Eldredge. Great grandchildren: Courtney Roberts, Leven Roberts , Tiffany Trilli. Her nephew, Philip L. Peterson (Carol), her niece, Norma Jenkins (Robert), both of Oregon, Wisconsin. A brother, Buzz Hanson (Peggy) predeceased her. Her beloved caretaker, Carman Seepersad. A memorial service will be on Thursday, January 12 at 6-7pm , at the Branam Funeral Home , Homestead, Florida. Memorial and Burial will be held in Oregon, Wisconsin, at the Gunderson Funeral Home on Monday, January 16 ,2012 at 11:00 am .