Peacefully surrounded by her family on Wednesday, October 13, 2021 of Kippen at the age of 78. Beloved wife of David Cooper for 53 years. Cherished mother of Christine and Dave Steiginga; Tricia and Rick Barfoot; and Candace and Danylo Klufas. Proud Nana of Ava, Xavier, Carmen, Felix; Alistair, Adrian, Hillary; Daria, Marisa and Luka. Much loved sister of Bonnie and the late Bill Adamson, and sister-in-law of Bob and Anita Cooper. Lovingly remembered by many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. Predeceased by parents Hazel (Leatherdale) and Willis Dales, parents-in-law Grace (Lavis) and John Cooper.
Growing up on a farm in Wheatley, Ontario, Mom’s early years were spent with her large, love-filled extended family. She lived in Westminster College at the University of Western Ontario where she graduated with both her teaching accreditation and an undergraduate degree in arts, and more importantly, where she met the love of her life. Mom and Dad married on August 24, 1968 which, as the story goes, was the hottest day on record. In 1972 they built their home north of Kippen and lived a happy life full of community, family, faith and friendship.
Mom began her teaching career and quickly rose to the position of Vice Principal at Lord Elgin Public School in 1969, at a time when women in senior roles was uncommon. She then dedicated herself to raising her three beautiful children and returned to teaching, part time, and later full time, at Huron Centennial School. Mom was fortunate to have a career that fueled her passion. She loved her work and spoke endlessly of it. The joy she got from teaching simply radiated from her. She loved her students and eagerly followed their progress, well past their time in her classroom.
She came from a very musical family and her love of music came right from her heart. At school, she was always involved in the music curriculum – directing performances, leading choirs, and teaching children to play the ukulele. She was also a prolific pianist and played for Kippen United Church most Sundays. She was a beautiful soprano and sang her whole life, even once dementia challenged her.
A highlight of retirement was the many winters that Mom and Dad spent with their clan in Lakeland, enjoying wild St. Patrick’s Day events and dances, card games, and spirited (daily!) social gatherings.
They also loved to travel. Their schedule was filled with trips with close friends to China, European odysseys, and other jet setting adventures. But Mom’s most treasured trips were the cruises she took with her family: a journey through the Panama Canal with her daughters and sons, and later two perfectly magical Disney Cruises to the delight of her 10 grandchildren. We were the perfect party of 18!
Nana loved those 10 grandchildren tremendously. They are left with fond memories of baking extravaganzas, story times, playing board games and other undisclosed adventures. It was made clear: “What happens at Nana’s stays at Nana’s”.
Dad’s endless love for Mom was evidenced by the companionship and care he’s provided to her every day since they met. Although our time with her was shorter than we all wanted, we are left with memories of a beautiful, joyful woman with a great laugh and a love for her family that was deeply engrained in her soul. Her legacy is love, and as we commit her to God, we will continue to do her work by sharing her love and light with the world.
Luv U 4ever.
Visitation will be held at Brucefield Community United Church, 10 London Road, Brucefield on Monday, October 18th from 11 AM – 1 PM. Due to Provincial COVID-19 restrictions, each person must RSVP for the visitation by clicking “Register Now” below. A private family funeral service will be held at the church at 2 PM with Rev. Randy Banks officiating. Interment Bairds Cemetery, Varna. Though the service is private, the family invites you to join them from the comfort of your home. Stream the service live or at your convenience by visiting www.facebook.com/haskettfh.
Donations to the Brucefield Community United Church or Alzheimer Society of Huron County would be appreciated.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Hayley Linfield
I am sorry to hear of the passing of (to me) Mrs. Cooper. I was a member of the Huron Centennial choir and the experience has stayed with me my whole life, remembering all those songs over 30 years later! I remember fondly the Uke Group and her music classes as well. Mrs. Cooper’s teaching certainly had a positive and lasting effect on me and I know on many others too. I enjoyed reading the beautifully written obituary about her happy life with her family and I hope those memories stay with you and your children and give you all comfort throughout the years.
– Hayley Linfield
Beth Cooper
David and Family
My deepest sympathy to all the Cooper Family.
My thoughts are with you at this sad time.
Beth Cooper
Jim & Ruth Alexander
We have such happy memories of our day with you both in Lakeland a few winters ago and were so sorry to learn of Barbara’s death.
With sincere sympathy.
Jim and Ruth Alexander
Pearl Ann & Mahlon Martin
To the Cooper Family, Our sincere condolences to the Cooper family ,as you grieve the loss of Barb,
May you all sense the Love and Peace from our Loving Heavenly Father, as you go through this difficult time….
Love and Prayers……Pearl Ann & Mahlon Martin
Elizabeth Thorpe-Hearn
Today I said “good-bye” to my dear friend Barb. She had the most infectious laugh, love of conversation and the biggest, brightest sparkle in her eyes. Although Dementia took the woman we loved early, I feel so very fortunate to have taught with her at Huron Centennial School, and upon her retirement, to have continued to get together with her and Dave for a waterfall of laughs and hours of good conversation. We shared a love for excellence in music, were passionate about providing performance opportunities for our students and built our lives around our children. When my husband Jeff was sick, she listened to me for hours. During the six weeks I provided palliative care for Jeff’s mom, Barb took over all my music classes and even taught my older students how to play the ukulele. When Steve, my brother-in-law died suddenly of a stroke, she called me from her holiday in Florida to commiserate, listen and cry together. Such friends are hard to find and even harder to lose. My heart aches. I miss my friend. Enjoy the many mansions prepared for you and singing in the heavenly choir Barb. You will be missed.
Krista Rathwell
Dave, Christine, Trisha & Candace,
So sorry to hear of Barb’s passing. She was always smiling and will always be remembered that way.
Hugs to you all.
Krista
Susan Gordon Lindsay
I have fond memories of Barbara and Bonnie from childhood. Often in the summers, I would go to Hazel and Willis’ farm for a week or so. At that time, Barbara would go to our house to visit. It was sort of like a farm exchange program. I enjoyed my time with Hazel, Willis, and Bonnie while Barbara enjoyed her time with my family. My mother, Leta Gordon, was a cousin of Hazel and Willis. I never remember seeing Barbara without a smile on her face and without something positive to say. I am sure she will be greatly missed.
Mike Park
Dear Christine,
Words cannot express my deepest sympathies on the untimely passing of your beloved mother. Each of us keeps close to our hearts and minds the everlasting love for which every mother has for their child because this love is reciprocal. The unbreakable bond that makes us whole in life and gives us the courage knowing she is there to comfort us. It is through these memories that keeps us warm at night and our spirts glow from the inner light that one can define as a Mother’s love.
I am truly sorry for your great loss.
Mike
Andrew Scretas
Dear Christine and family. We are so sorry for your loss. We know how close you and your entire family were with her. Our hearts and prayers are with you.
MEL SWAIN
DEAR DAVID & FAMILY,
I WAS SO SADDENED TO LEARN OF BARBARA’S PASSING. YOU HAVE LOST SUCH A WONDERFUL LOVING PARTNER. WHAT AN AMAZING LIFE BARBARA LED AND SHARED WITH YOU. YOU WERE
BLESSED WITH A CHERISHED TREASURE. SHE NOW CONTINUES TO BE THE FAMILY’S LOVING
GUARDIAN ANGEL, AS HER SPIRIT WILL FOREVER LIVE ON IN YOUR HEARTS..
MY PRAYERS ARE WITH ALL OF YOU DAVID. GOD BLESS. MEL.
Alma Westlake
David, Christine, Tricia and Candace;
Barb, your wife and mother was such a special person. Her dedication and love for each of her roles, wife, mother, grandmother, teacher, church music program was so exceptional and evident in her total effort to achieve the quality she expected. She was a respected teaching partner, spring concert coordinator and frien She made the world a better place. My sincere sympathy to each of you.
Alma Westlake
Marilyn Lightfoot
The Cooper Family.
I’m so very sorry, for you Family’s loss.
Keep all those wonderful memories close to your hearts. Thinking of you all, at this sad & difficult time.
Marilyn Foster
David, Christine, Tricia, Candace and families,
Bonnie and family ,
Sending my heartfelt sympathy to you all. Barb has been my friend for 75 years .Being neighbours at the age of three, we grew up together ,attended the same schools, church functions and social circle of friends. She even introduced me to the love of my life. After high school graduation, distance meant that we did not see each other a lot ,but ,cherish the good times we have had with her and David. I admired her many talents, enthusiasm, quick wit and infectious laugh. She was so much fun to be with! Her family was her pride and joy. May all your memories of the good times you shared ,bring you peace and comfort. She will be fondly remembered and forever in your hearts. RIP dear Barb!
Karen Forgrave
Sending hugs and prayers to you, Candace and family,
You mom has left a lasting legacy in such a beautiful extended family!
Love from,
Karen, Steve and Laura
Trish MacGregor
Dear David and family,
Our hearts are heavy since learning this sad news. Barb was special to each of us in our own ways, I think that’s one of the things that was extraordinary about her,. She made the person standing in front of her feel important always and gave her full attention to them. That no doubt was one of the reasons she was a great teacher and also a treasured friend. When I moved to Kippen, she welcomed me to St. Andrew’s with her warmth and caring. I loved how she loved children, and her own children & grandchildren most of all. How proud she was of all of you! May shared stories and wonderful memories help to bring comfort in the days and weeks ahead. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Trish, Paul, Sarah, Ian and Sam
Joe and Willi Laurie
David and Family:
We are feeling hurt in our hearts today having lost a wonderful former colleague and long time friend. Barb was always kind, and always did her best for her students and for her friends and family. She was dedicated to her music and we have so missed being able to sing along with her in choir over this Covid period. We were so glad to have seen her at church a couple of weeks ago. It seemed a sign that things were getting better in this crazy world… Your loving tribute to your Mom is so perfect and describes her open heart to a tee. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Norma Gemmell
Our heartfelt sympathy! May your wonderful memories bring you comfort in the days ahead. Her warmth, kindness and love will continue to radiate in each one of you. Although we are unable to offer our condolences personally, know that we are thinking of you. Hugs to all! Happy Birthday, Candace. Our love, Norma and Ken Gemmell and Family.
Harold Greenwood
Dave and Family,
So sorry to read of Barb’s passing. I really enjoyed the time we spent together during our time together at LL. She was a great person and I am glad that you had such a good life together. It was a pleasure to read of your life’s happening after we lost touch when I moved on from LL. All the best Coop.
Harold Greenwood
Janet Lachance
So sorry to Hear about Barb passing away.
From our brief conversation I could tell teaching was her joy..
Peace to your family
Janet ( Jim Leatherdale’s daughter Hazel’s brother)
Melody
I am sorry to hear about Barb’s passing. She was always be Mrs. Cooper to me. I still can play some of the ukulele songs, I can still sing some of the choir songs she led. In fact I can close my eyes and still hear her voice correcting my pitch! From Huron Centennial to Kippen church to the many many showers and community events she was such a positive influence for me. I have no doubt she will always be a cherished mother and grandmother to all of you. What a wonderful write up in celebration of her life and career.
We are thinking of you.
Melody (Turner) Wardell and family.
MaryJane and Paul Wilker
We have been thinking and talking about Barb often since we learned of her passing. So many wonderful memories over more than 65 years. She brought such joy to any occasion. It was always evident how much she loved her family and how much of herself she gave to each of you. I know you will miss her greatly as shall we.
Jim Dietrich
Sincere sympathy to all the family, so sorry for your loss.
Jim & Linda Dietrich
Paul & Maria-Teresa Corvese
Our heartfelt condolences to you Candace and your immediate and extended families at the deeply sad time. She will live on through all of you.
Leisa Stephenson
Dear Dave and girls,
We were deeply saddened to hear of Barb’s passing. I have many fond memories of working with Barb. She truly cared about her students and her school family. Hold your memories close to comfort you in the days ahead.
Blaine and Leisa
J&E Tomlinson
Dear David and Family
We send to all of you our heartfelt sympathy. We always enjoyed Barb at the Monday night bridge games we attended. Her friendly and relaxed manner was most welcomed by the newbies.
Sincerely Jim and Elaine Tomlinson
Eric & Sharon Chuter
Dave and family:
So sorry to hear of Barb’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this sad time. You will always remember all the great times spent together.
Mark Walker
I extend my condolences to the whole Cooper family. I remember Barb as my Grade 6 music teacher who was in a long list of influential people in my musical journey. I remember her teaching me ukulele.
Dennis Hockey
A beautiful person has left the building
Hopefully the memories of her essence will continue to positively guide us through the remainder of our years in this state of our presents.
Condolences and best wishes to Dave and family.
Marilyn Taylor
Dave and Family
I am sadden to hear of Barb’s passing. I taught with Barb at Huron Centennial. Her pleasant personality was always exhibited in all phases of school life. May happy memories help you through this difficult time.
Ted and Bonnie Aitken
David, Bonnie and I are sorry to here of Barb’s passing. She was a gentle and loving soul. As well as a great fan of our LL ball team. We remember the yearly ‘labour day’ gatherings at the Coop’s were Barb was such a gracious host.
You and you family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Margaret Brandl
To Candace and the extended Cooper family. Rob and I extend our deepest condolences. What a lovely tribute to your mother, Barb, and the wonderfully unique person that she always will be. Over the time we’ve known you, Candace, it has been clear that you have very special parents who had a love for family and adventure. You embody this joy, too, for which I have always admired you. Our thoughts are with you and your family during this time.
Doug & Barb Norman
Our deepest sympathy Dave and family
I enjoyed singing along side Barb in the choir
Barb and Doug
Scott and Darlene Bell
Sending heartfelt sympathies to the entire Cooper Family. I’m so very sorry for your loss. Will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers
Scott and Darlene Bell
Ray & Judy Mills
David , the Cooper girls and families:
Please accept my very deepest condolences. I was very shocked to read about Barbara this am. Barb was a great friend when I worked at Huron Centennial. I knew of her before I went to that school, but did not really know what a kind, understanding, helpful friend she would become. We shared the Math program for the Grade 7 and 8 students and almost daily collaborated on our programs. She taught me a lot and we leaned on each other often. Her musical talents were greatly appreciated by the students and teachers alike. I missed her companionship when I moved to the next school. Although I did not see her often after that, we would connect on occasion and renew that warm feeling we had for each other. Barb was indeed a true friend. Each of you are in my thoughts and prayers and I hope your many memories of a wonderful person help you in the next days, weeks and months to come. God Bless.
klaas and sjoukje steenbeek
To the Cooper family,
Our condolences.
Mrs. Cooper was one of the first teachers we met, when we came to Canada. She has been teaching three of our children. We all liked her.
Joan McCallum
David and Family: My sincerest sympathy to you and your family in the loss of Barb. She was such a lovely lady and will be greatly missed. Treasure your memories.
Evelyn Gaunt
Dave and family:
My heart goes out to you at this sad time. May the many memories of your family times with Barb help you through. She will be missed by everyone who knew her.
Sincerely
Ev Gaunt
Wanda Reynolds
Dave & Family
So sorry to hear of Barb’s passing. Our thoughts are with you at this time of sorrow.
Bob & Wanda Reynolds
Kerri Gingerich
I am so sorry for your loss. I was thinking about your Mom not long ago when a song she taught us at Huron Centennial came to mind.
I’se the B’y.
I remember the spark in her eyes and the passion she had in teaching. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Kathy Mann
David and family: My deepest sympathy with the passing of Barb. You’re in my thoughts and prayers.
Carol LeBeau
David and Girls
I wish to to extend to you my heartfelt sympathy. I have many wonderful memories of working with Barb at Huron Centennial, where we shared the music program for so many years. The times we spent together, as we prepared choirs for concerts and special events, remain as highlights of my teaching career. I am sorry that I will be unable to offer my condolences in person, but you will certainly be in my thoughts. Hugs to each of you!
John & Carol Coleman
Sorry for your loss David and family.
Shirley & Ross Carter
There are no words that can really express what a special friend Barbara meant to me. She was a very beautiful person and has left many memories in my mind and in the minds of many others. Her joy of connecting with her students was truly a delightful expression of who she was. Her beautiful girls are a testament of how much of a loving person she was. She was extremely proud of her family in all ways.
I found some words recently that I feel were meant for Barbara.
“A butterfly lights beside us like a sunbeam
and for a brief moment its glory and beauty belong to our world,
But then it flies again
And though we wish it could have stayed . . .
We feel lucky to have seen it and to have shared some sunbeams with it.”
I don’t know who wrote those words but feel that they express what Barbara was to us. We love you Barbara and know that your spirit lives on in your family.
Shirley & Ross Carter
Michael Jones
To David and family. Barb will be grateley missed in the community of kippen. She was a big part of the kippen/brucefield church. I will mostly remember her as playing the organ in kippen church, And waking her brother in law up after the sermon when she hit those chords!!!!!(I won’t mention any names. Lol) who was trying to catch up on lost sleep from from the previous night. I think she did that on purpose!!!! I will also miss seeing her walking with David in the morning down kippen road. Rip Barb, the community won’t be the same without ya. And Dave take a few days off from walking it’s going to be wet. I’ll stop next time I see ya!!!!
Joyce Black and family
David and family – I was very sorry to hear of the passing of Barbara and send sympathy to all the families. She will be missed in her Brucefield community and leaves great memories to her family/friends/neighbors/students. Thinking of you all in the days and weeks ahead. Barbara always friendly and had a beautiful smile when we met.
Robert & Judith
It is with great sadness that we heard of the passing of Barbara. She was such a lovely lady, and will be missed by so many of us.
Robert McCartney and Judith Elder McCartney
Orrin Baird
David and Family:
Barbara will be sorely missed by everyone she touched in Life…
Heaven has received its newest Angel…
Our Sincere Condolences to your family as you mourn her passing…
May she R.I.P.
Orrin Baird, June MacLellan and Families
Nancy Denys
Dave, and family, Deepest sympathy to you all . She will be missed, but will live on in all your wonderful, special memories .
Les Coleman
My sincere condolences David and family. Heartfelt thoughts and prayers at this sad time.
Les Coleman
Gayle VanAltena (Dunn)
My deepest sympathy to the Cooper family. I have so many wonderful memories with the Cooper family and being coached in the Huron Centennial Choir by Barbara. She was a very special woman. Hugs to you all.
Bob Edith Hodgins
Bob and I are so sorry to hear the sad news Dave. Thinking of you and your Family. Was so glad to have had visit with you lately.
Wayne & Lorene Lightfoot
Cooper Family: We are so sorry for your loss but know your Mom will be watching over all of you. Her family was so important to both your Mom & Dad. We enjoyed many times together and we will miss her so much.
Ashley Allan
Wishing your family comfort and peace in the days ahead. My deepest sympathies to your entire family.
Mimi & Pete
Dearest Christine and family,
Thinking of you and sending love. We know how much your mom meant to you and we are very sorry for your loss. May your beautiful mom be at peace and may her love for all of you sustain you through your grief.
Dianne Waun
David, I am so sad to hear of Barb’s death. She was a good friend and a beloved teacher.
Christine, Tricia and Candace, your loving words about your mom describe her perfectly. She was so proud of her girls and their families. I hope your precious memories will give you comfort now.
Dianne