Tribute

Ann Cooper passed away peacefully at Mariposa Gardens, Osoyoos, on Feb. 22, 2012 at the age of 88, after a long illness. She was pre-deceased by her parents, James and Annie Griffin, and her much loved step-father Charles Harbron, her first husband Harry Harris and the love of her life for 44 years, husband Philip Cooper. Sadly, she was also predeceased by her daughter, Terrile Harris, step-son Bill Cooper, granddaughter Laura Harris and step-grandson Tyson Specht. She was also predeceased by her brothers Gerald (Gert), Dugald (Betty), Allan (Bethia) and her sister Dina (Bob).

She is survived by her son, Allan Harris (Patricia) , step-daughter Sheron Specht (Don), grandson Brett Harris (Elizabeth), great granddaughter Emma Harris, step-daughter-in-law Valerie MacAdam (Gary) as well as her step-grandson Gene Cooper, step-granddaughters Ashley Cooper and Alexa Easton (Alan) and step-great granddaughters Madison, Payton, Kaitlyn and Nicola.

She was very close to her nieces and nephews Judy, Linda, Gerry, Brent, Holly, Brad, Ron, Glenna, Karyn, Cheryl and Gordie.

Ann was born on December 4, 1922 at Chemainus, BC. She lived on a farm on the outskirts of Duncan, BC with her parents and siblings. Her father died when she was 3 years old and for ten years her mother ran the farm and raised five children. Her mother remarried when Ann was thirteen to a wonderful man, Charles Harbron, who became a cherished part of the family. She graduated from high school in 1940, and shortly after moved to Victoria, BC. She worked in a bakery for a while before she became a seamstress for the Hudson’s Bay Company. She met her first husband, Harry Harris, in Victoria and they were married on March 12, 1943.

Ann moved to Penticton in 1952 with their son Allan, to join Harry who had tried out for the Penticton V’s. Harry remained with the V’s as trainer and Ann and Allan were able to share in the excitement of the Penticton V’s winning the World Hockey Championship in 1955. Harry, Ann and Allan rode in a convertible down Penticton’s Main Street during the tumultuous welcome when the team returned to Canada. Ann joined Don Lange Jewellers in 1952 and remained there for 20 years. While there, she developed a love for collectibles and other fine decorative items which lasted her whole life. Her home became her showcase. She was expert at needlepoint and petit point and produced many works which graced her home.

Ann remarried on January 7, 1961, to a man who was to become the love of her life, Philip Cooper. They were married for over 44 years and had an incredible close and loving relationship until his death in 2005. During these years they built a cabin at Headwaters Lake where the grandchildren enjoyed many summertime adventures. She also was a member of the Penticton Fish, Game and Rifle Club and was an expert markswoman. She enjoyed the Art Gallery and was a patron. She studied and acquired many fine Antiques. Ann and Phil were active members of Gyro for many years (Phil for over 50 years) and she remained an active member after Phil’s death.

She was a gracious hostess, quick to laugh, with a smile that could light up a room.

The family would like to thank Dr. Garnett Tarr of Osoyoos and the extraordinary staff at Mariposa Gardens for their care and support.
A celebration of life service will be held at 2:00 P.M. Saturday March 17, 2012 at the Ramada Inn, 1050 W. Eckhardt Ave., Penticton, BC.
Condolences and tributes may be directed to the family by visiting www.nunes-pottinger.com
Arrangements entrusted to Nunes-Pottinger Funeral Service & Crematorium, Oliver & Osoyoos.