Catherine Cooper

Catherine Mower Cooper (nee Maxwell)

May 20, 1935 - September 25, 2021 (age 86)

(AKA Cathy, Cassy, Kay, Mom, Grandmom, Aunt Cathy)

Catherine was born in Philadelphia on May 20, 1935 to Charles and Catherine Maxwell. She was raised in the Philadelphia neighborhood of Roxborough. She attended Shawmont School and then Roxborough High School, where she played violin in the school orchestra and graduated in 1953.  She met a group of girls while in kindergarten and the 10 girls in their friend group remained good friends for 80 years, staying in touch over the years with each other, even though many of them moved out of the Philadelphia area. During high school, she was in a secretarial work/study course and got hired by Fidelity Insurance Company in Philadelphia. She always made comment that when she looked out of the office window at Fidelity, she could see the Philadelphia Museum of Art which was and still is a huge, famous landmark in Philadelphia.

Not long after finishing high school, Catherine was introduced to Robert Cooper. Robert’s sister lived next door to Catherine and her younger sister, Susan, and Robert’s niece, Barbara, brought them together.  This was a match made in heaven. Catherine and Robert were married in September of 1955 and raised three children (Bob, Jeff and Cathy) in Flourtown, PA, a suburb of Philadelphia.  Catherine was a devoted, nurturing wife and mother. She and Robert made a loving and welcoming home and hosted many family holidays and parties.  There was always a hot delicious meal ready with a home baked dessert. She loved cooking and sewing, a passion and talent she inherited from her mother. For many years, countless family members and friends were pampered with her home cooking and warm, welcoming spirit.  She could work magic with her sewing machine and made many beautiful outfits.

In 1976, the family moved to Houston when Robert was transferred there by Gulf Oil. She and Robert made another warm and loving home. During the 45 years they lived in Houston, they always welcomed family and friends to their home for good cooking and hospitality. Catherine’s nurturing spirit got her interested in being a hospital volunteer, which she did in 1982.

While she loved being a mother, one of the highlights of her life was being a grandmother to David and Bryan. She was a caring, involved grandparent from day one and was even able to attend their weddings. A day didn’t go by when she wouldn't ask how David and Bryan were.

One of the most admirable qualities that she had was her positive attitude and gentle spirit. She faced many health issues over the years, but she always kept her chin up and would say, “it’s going to be alright.”

Catherine was preceded in death by her husband Robert B. Cooper.  She is survived by her younger sister, Susan Gefvert (Steve) of Cumberland Foreside, Maine; son Robert C. Cooper (Felisa) of Winnsboro, Texas; son Jeffrey Cooper of Houston; daughter Catherine Jew (Dany) of Cypress, Texas; grandson David Jew (Rachel) of Beaumont, Texas; grandson Bryan Jew (Sarah) of Cypress, Texas and many nieces, nephews and friends.