Lila E. ROSS

COOPER, Lila E. 2009-03-07 (nee Ross) Passed away peacefully at Crofton Manor, Vancouver, on Monday, 2nd of March 2009, at the age of 100 years plus 6 months. Born in Vancouver in 1908, on Harris Street, now East Georgia. Lila moved to Fort William, Ontario at age six where her father was a stonemason. She married Gordon Cooper of Thunder Bay in 1934, and they had a daughter Janis (wife of Bill Clarke of Vancouver). Gordon died in 1976 in Thunder Bay. Lila is survived by her daughter, Janis (Bill); her four grandchildren: Anna (Tim) Gilmour, Ross (Barbara) Turnbull, Frank (Andrea) Turnbull and Gordon (Sarah) Turnbull; and nine great-grandchildren: Connor, Fraser and Tia Gilmour; Paige and Allison Turnbull; Cameron, Liam and Angus Turnbull; and Lucy Turnbull. Lila worked with Gordon in the family sand & gravel business for many years, being in charge of the accounts and dispatching the drivers. They often travelled to warmer climes during the cold Ontario winters, especially Arizona and Hawaii. In 1980, after much commuting during the summers and Christmas time, Lila finally moved back to Vancouver to be close to Janis and the grandchildren, where she spent many idyllic summer months at Savary Island. She did a lot of babysitting and driving for the grandchildren which kept her very busy. Known as "Grandma Cooper" to many of their friends and extended family, she was always on the move with her many projects. For over fifteen years, she was actively involved with Marpole Women’s Auxiliary where she was a dedicated volunteer for the George Pearson Hospital and tirelessly participated in many auxiliary sales to raise money for the Hospital. As well, she was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star since 1956; St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Thunder Bay of which the stonework was done by her father and her uncle and where she taught Sunday School; and, Kerrisdale Presbyterian Church. This past August, Lila enjoyed a joyous 100th Birthday celebration surrounded by family and countless friends. She was ambient until recently and enjoyed Christmas dinner with Janis, Bill and the family. She also enjoyed her many afternoon tea drives with Contessa and Barbara. Lila was a charming and elegant lady who was loved by all who knew her. She was always cheerful and kind. The family is grateful for the loving care she received from the staff at Crofton Manor. Funeral to be in Thunder Bay, Ontario at 10:00am on Saturday, April 4th at Jenkens Funeral Home. To my Family: When I Pass On When I pass on, I hope to leave behind Not worldly things for some unworthy hands, But grateful mem’ries in the heart and mind of fellowmen to whom I have been kind, For life is given us to mold a way Of Happiness for others we have known - Unselfish and true,from day to day, to help them bear their burdens as we may. There is no death for those of us who know That what we do in life lives on and on; We reap, the Good Book says, just as we sow; Let’s plant our seeds of love before we go. When I pass on, I want no grief, my dears, No sadness in the hearts of those I’ve loved; I would but feel that in this world of tears I’ve helped to dry a few throughout the years! ~ from Great Grandma Cooper (Author Unknown)