Mary Evelyn Coop, born on July 23, 1938 in Albia, Iowa, was a beacon of love and compassion, whose impact on her community and her loved ones will forever be felt and cherished. She was a woman of many talents, with a creative spark that found expression in a variety of hobbies. From quilting to crafting, solving puzzles to tending to her beautiful flower and vegetable gardens, Mary was a source of inspiration and joy to those around her. Her supportive presence was also felt profoundly in her professional life, where she dedicated her skills and empathy as a Certified Nurses Aid in the healthcare sector.
Mary’s journey began in Avery, where she attended school in Avery and Albia. Her dedication and hard work led her to Chamberlains Manufacturing, and later to the Albia Manor and then the Monroe Care Center as a Certified Nurses Assistant. Her compassionate nature and unwavering commitment to her work earned her the respect and admiration of both her colleagues and patients. Beyond her professional achievements, Mary was also a proud member of the American Legion Auxiliary and the Ladies Auxiliary to the V.F.W. Mary was a loving and supportive wife to her late husband, Harold Coop, whom she married on September 18, 1954. Together, they enjoyed the simple pleasures of life, from reading books to being Texas snowbirds. Above all, what mattered most to Mary was her family, who were the recipients of her boundless love and kindness.
She was the cherished daughter of the late Thomas and Flora DeMoss. Mary’s legacy of love, compassion, and creativity will continue to live on in the hearts of those she touched.
Mary is survived by her children, Vickie (John) Hauge, Richard Coop, Penny Jones; seven grandchildren, James McClurg, Josh Coop, Megan Summers, Chelsea Francis, Jennifer Jass, Brenda Smithberg, Mary Ellen McCombs; great grandchildren, Milli Coop, Josh Coop Jr. Alyra Boomgarden, Ariya Francis, Rowan Francis, Xander Jass, Gabby Jass, Joe Smithberg, Mariah Smithberg, Mickenzie McCombs; son-in-law, Roger Vance; sister-in-law, JoAnn Coop, siblings, Lewis (Janice) DeMoss, Thomas (Marge) DeMoss, Bobby (Bonnie) DeMoss, Michael DeMoss, Margaret Sperring, Patricia Graham, Frances Magie.
She was preceded in death by parents, Thomas and Flora DeMoss; daughter, Kimberly Vance; grandchildren, Dan McClurg, Christiana Jones, great grandchildren, Nathan, Zach, and Alexis Jass; siblings, John DeMoss, Gary DeMoss, Greg DeMoss, Diane Mincks, Pamela McDonough, half brother, Lyle DeMoss; sons-in-law, Bobby McClurg, Jim Jones, and daughter-in-law, Debbie Coop.
We invite all who knew and loved Mary to share their memories and upload photos to her memorial page. In celebrating her life, we honour the incredible woman she was and the beautiful memories she has left us with.
