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Edith Cooper passed into the arms of the Savoir in the early morning hours of August 12, 2010.

Mom was born in Mirror, Alberta on June 28th, 1926 to Isabel and Grover Allen. Ailing health forced Edith’s dad to leave the farm in Alberta and moved his wife and daughter to Vancouver in 1930 to pursue his career as a barber. Edith’s sister, Shirley was born in 1931. Sadly, their dad passed away when Edith was only twelve years old, but she often spoke of “daddy” and his barbershop.

Mom attended Gilmore Ave Elementary School and then Burnaby North High School but left after grade ten and began her many, many years of tireless work. At 16 years old, she would awaken early each morning to catch the streetcar down to the Royal Bank, Robson Street Branch where she worked from August 1942 to July 1947. She was constantly asked to slow down because she would enter information faster than the machines at the time could process it. Oftentimes, she would not return home until after 10pm, it’s a wonder she found any time to keep company with the “boy next door”. Leonard Cooper had just returned home from his tour of duty and caught a glimpse of Mrs. Allen’s daughter. After a proper and perfect courtship, the two were married July 30, 1947 and moved to Kamloops where Len was employed as a carpenter. Her new and most blessed career began here as they created their family. In 1968 the family moved to Salmon Arm where Len continued to work as a contractor and Edith kept the kids and books in order. In 1972 they began Elmco Construction and life was wonderful. Her world fell apart February 28th, 1982 when Len succumbed to a rare form of cancer. She never gave up, but she was never quite the same. She carried on running Elmco Construction with her son, Glenn as a partner and worked fulltime well into her 80’s. Everyone in town knew, “if you want forms, go see Mrs. Cooper.”

Edith is predeceased by her older brother Robert Allen (at birth), her father, Grover Allen, her mother, Isabel Allen and her loving husband, Leonard Cooper. She is survived by her sister Shirley Morris (Norman) of Westbank, and children, Glenn Cooper, Judy deDood (Johan), Robert Cooper (Easter), Randy Cooper Adelie), and April Scott (Randy). Her grandchildren, Tanya Gerry, Loretta, Christie, Glenda, James, Cory, Stephanie, Benjamin, Emerald, Nicholas and Tristan fondly remember hotdog Saturdays at Grandma’s house and will miss going to Grandma’s for Christmas. We will be sure to remind the great grandchildren,

Mikaela, Monty, Gabby, Joey, Aiden, Austin, Ethan, Justin, Celina, JC and Eli of the wonderful woman she was.

A service in her honour will be held at Bowers Funeral Home in Salmon Arm on Saturday, August 21, 2010 at 3 o’clock in the afternoon, with internment to follow at Mt. Ida Cemetery. All are invited to join for a time of fellowship at #3 1460 10th St. SW following the service.

Online Condolences may be sent through Edith’s obituary at www.bowersfuneralservice.com

Funeral Arrangements are in the care of Bowers Funeral Service, Salmon Arm, BC



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