Mom left us on a Tuesday evening, surrounded by family, with a final blessing from Pastor Steve as she passed. Mom had a tumultuous last couple of years, but she was one of the strongest, most stubborn people (she said it was the Schneider in her), and she fought her way through every obstacle and setback that came her way. In the end, her body was just too worn out to fight anymore. Up until the very end, she was planning her next steps at home with a transition from fall and Halloween decorations, into the Christmas season: but NOT until after Remembrance Day, and you better not be caught doing otherwise!
Mom’s first and always top priority was her family, and she loved telling stories (some might say bragging) about her kids, grandkids and great grandchildren. She was an avid Facebook fan and user, keeping up to date on everyone’s activities, and pulling pictures to print and spread around her kitchen. Even though we may not have always been present with her physically, we were definitely surrounding her at all times.
Mom loved to sit outside in her rocking chair when it was warm, watching the neighbourhood ‘goings on’ as she put it. She was entertained by road work and nearby renovations and loved it when the neighbours would pop over to say hello while she was rocking. She had several bird/squirrel feeders around and would make sure they were filled regularly so she could sit and watch, from both inside the house and out. She enjoyed her gardens and made sure they were maintained and decorated for the various season, whether doing it herself or directing others. Watching figure skating and curling on tv was a passion for Mom, and if you dared interrupt her while she was doing so, you were sure to know about it! She was always up for a game of crib and spent many hours playing with her grandchildren.
She loved listening to various types of music, and once she found out how to find music on social media, she was set to enjoy for hours.
Mom was the organist and choir director at her beloved Westminster United Church for almost 30 years, directing the regular adult choir, children and youth choirs, and strongly persuading a good group of men from the congregation to put together an anthem for Mother’s Day services. Nobody could say no to Mom. She was also the secretary/administrative assistant at Westminster United for many years, keeping everyone, including the ministers in line, making sure that everything was done exactly right. Mom’s church family and her faith were incredibly important to her, and her return to church these last few weeks brought her great comfort and joy.
Mom’s career years also included working at a law office as an administrative assistant and a chiropractic assistant. As us kids got older and moved into starting our own little families, Mom cared for our dad in his later years, and then once she was on her own, she started volunteering to fill her hours. She was well known and loved at the local Salvation Army for her time there, and she also volunteered at the hospital on behalf of Westminster, to provide Spiritual Care.
Mom is survived by her children Cody Cooper (Cathy), Kent Cooper (Christine), Candi Wall (Jack), and stepson Skip Cooper (Cynthia). Grandchildren Amanda Sim (Rob), Jayme Cooper (Remi), Cody Cooper Jr, Thomas Cooper (Julia), Alexandra Cooper, Peter Wall, Patrick Wall, Jason Wall, Alysia Cooper (Erik), Trevor Cooper (Kristen). Great grandchildren Berkley, Colter, Hunter, Sawyer, Makenna and Bryson.
Brothers Clayton Schneider, Bob Schneider (Joan), Jim Schneider (Hanna), and numerous nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. Predeceased by husband William (Bill) Cooper, brother Stanton Schneider, parents Thomas Schneider and Elizabeth Schneider (nee Robinson), nephew Ernie Schneider, special stepmom Hertha Schneider.
Special thanks to the staff at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre for their care over the last 2 years, and especially to the nurses on 3A, Jenna, Emilie and Mercedes, who filled Mom’s last few days with kindness and compassion.
Mom's funeral will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 16, 2024, at Westminster United Church, 650 River Street. Interment will take place in Oxdrift, ON at a later date. In lieu of flowers, Memorial donations may be made to Westminster United Church. Online condolences may be expressed at www.sargentandson.com.
