Mary was born on May 7, 1928 in the small town of Chitwood, OR to Alfred M. Cooper and Elma P. (Curry) Cooper. She passed away on March 28, 2025 with loved ones by her side. She was the middle child of seven and enjoyed playing and working with her brother and sisters.

When Mary was in high school her family moved to central Washington State. She graduated from Pomeroy High School in 1946, with honors. Soon after, her family moved to a farm at the north end of Newman Lake, WA.

One day the handsome young farmer from a few fields over came to see if Mary and her dad could come help with baling hay. Then it was off to the races - literally! Their first date was to the stock car races in Spokane.

Mary and J.T. were married in May of 1948. Together, they ran a dairy farm, along with growing hay and grain crops. Three children came along; James T Jr. (Jim), Jane (Janie) and Craig.

The kids were all involved working on the farm, but it seemed our

mother was the wheel that kept things running. She was always helping with the cows, driving tractor or moving irrigation pipes.

Mary's vegetable gardens were very productive and beautiful to see. She snapped and canned many green beans. In later years, her flower gardens were her joy, and she could be found working in them many hours of the day.

Mary found time to be involved in her children's activities, helping with homework and joining the PTA. For several years, she was a member of Newman Lake Ladies Aid and attended the Otis Orchards Community Church.

Mary was an accomplished seamstress, sewing everything from wedding dresses to doll clothes, even Barbie doll clothes! She became master at counted cross-stitch, creating pictures, quilts, and Christmas stockings for each family member. All these gifts, we treasure.

When J.T. became ill with kidney disease, Mary was his sole caregiver for several years. He passed away in 1998, but Mary stayed on in the home, caring for her flowers, doing needlework and enjoying time with family.

Her greatest enjoyment was family gatherings with all the grandchildren and the great-grands. Time with her sisters was very important to Mary. Sometimes they would chat on the phone every day, but in-person visits were the best.

Mary spent her final months at Sullivan Park Care Center. We are so thankful for the excellent care and attention given to her.

Our mother was always humble, never seeking attention, and will stay in our hearts forever.

Mary was predeceased by her parents, husband J.T., son Craig (Jean), brothers Eugene and Glen, and sister Cleda Jones.She is survived by sisters Emma Lou Walker, Patricia Logan, and Edna Wilcox; son James T Jr. (Mary), daughter Jane Remmick (Chuck), grandchildren Diana, Daniel, Melinda, Sara, Katie and numerous great grandchildren, the pride and joy of her life.

As per her request, a private graveside service with immediate family will be held. A celebration of life honoring Mary is planned for May 10, 2025, at the St Joseph Church social room - 4521 N. Arden Rd, Otis Orchards, WA 99027.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you grow a beautiful flower in her memory.