Edna Mae Cooper's Obituary
Edna Cooper, beloved wife of Clifford Cooper Sr., former Marine, began her final journey to heaven on Tuesday, August 22. Edna was born on October 13, 1935, in La Push, Washington. Edna & Coop were married upon CoopÂ's discharge from the Marine Corps. On August 20, they celebrated 51 years of marriage. Edna was the oldest member of the Hoh River Tribe. Edna was 71 years young.Edna and Coop had 8 children. They made their home on the Puyallup Reservation. Edna was known for her cooking. She served many meals to the patients at the Puyallup TribeÂ's Treatment Facility. She also worked a BJÂ's Bingo in Fife and FrankÂ's Landing Smoke Shop.Edna was proud of her Native American Culture and the traditions that her family embraced. The Cooper home on the East Side of Tacoma, was a gathering place for Indians from various tribes as they came to Tacoma. Edna and CoopÂ's home was always jam packed with company during pow wows and the Puyallup Fair. Edna enjoyed her trips to Reno and Hawaii and road trips with Coop gathering seafood from along the coast.Edna leaves to mourn her passing her Â"Macho Macho ManÂ" husband, Clifford Cooper Sr., as well as children Karen Holler, Henry Cooper, Sandra Cooper, Sheila Pacete, Clifford Cooper Jr. Â"JuddÂ". Her children Maxine, James Â"ToddÂ", and Guy preceded her in death.Edna was the most loving mother and giving person. Her son, Henry, remarked that her heart was as big as the great outdoors. Edna gave unselfishly. She had a huge heart for such a tiny woman. But she could be a force with which to be reckoned. Edna also leaves her grand children: Angela Black, Carolyn Ward, Carla Black, Misty, Michael Â"MikeyÂ" Jr., Andrew Reyes, Martine Cooper, Taralynn, Siona and Kacey Cooper.Edna also leaves her great grand children Cecelia, Jersey, Deidre, Jonah , Katherine Ward, Shannon Edwards, Chenoa Black, Alicia Black, Giovanni, and Naveyah Â"Baby GirlÂ" Washington.A vigil will be held from 5 Â- 9 p.m. on Friday, August 25th at Chief Leschi School at 5625 52nd St. E in Puyallup. Edna asked that any speakers share their thoughts and prayers with the family at that time. The funeral will be held on Saturday, August 26th, at 1 p.m. at Chief Leschi School at 5625 52nd St. E in Puyallup. Interment will be at Mountain View Cemetery at 4100 Steilacoom Blvd. SW in Lakewood, Washington. Dinner will follow at the Chief Leschi School. The family would like to thank the Puyallup Tribal Council, the Nooksak Tribe, Hoh River Tribe, Quileute Tribe, Quinault Tribe and all the other Nations for their generosity. We would also like to thank Dr. Shelton, Dr. Barnett and the Takopid Health Staff as well as the staff of Tacoma General Hospital who cared for Edna especially Marcy the nurse at the ER.
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