Mary Lou Cooper

Published by admin on Tue, 11/13/2018 - 11:14am

DEERFIELD—Mary Lou Cooper (nee Thornton), 80, of Deerfield, IL, passed away Nov. 12, 2018 after a valiant battle with Alzheimer's with her husband at her side.
Mary Lou was born the daughter of Corlett and Bernadette (Hermes) Thornton and grew up on a farm outside Wilmington, IL where she attended a one-room school house and then St. Rose Elementary School where she met the love of her life in fourth grade, Gary Cooper. Mary Lou graduated high school from St. Francis Academy and married Gary in 1960. Together they enjoyed 58 years of world travel, countless family gatherings and other shenanigans.   She volunteered at Holy Cross Parish where she was a parishioner for 46 years and Arden Shore Family and Childhood Services. Two of her life passions were the annual 4th of July parade in Deerfield and her second home in Door County where she enjoyed sunsets at Wilson's, Ephraim Fyr Ball, fish boils, and supporting the local economy with shopping.
The joy of her life was being mother to Beth (Bob) Bagg, Patrick (Maria), Michael (Lisa) and Christopher (Deena). She was a loving grandmother of Sara (Tyler) Reaker, Emily Bagg, Eric Bagg and Maria, Christian, Maggie, Danny, James and Mary Teresa Cooper. Mary Lou is survived by her husband, Gary and sister, Margie (John) Flynn and many loving Thornton and Flynn nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, brother, Robert and sister-in-law, Nancy Thornton.
 A visitation will be held Friday, Nov. 16, 2018 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Kelley & Spalding Funeral Home, 1787 Deerfield Rd., Highland Park, IL 60035.
Funeral Mass will be Saturday, Nov. 17 at 10 a.m. at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 724 Elder Lane, Deerfield, IL. Interment will be later and private at Abraham Lincoln Cemetery in Elwood, IL.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to Kuzma Care Cottage, 635 S. Main St., Wilmington, IL 60481.
For more information go to www.kelleyspaldingfuneralhome.com.
Kelley & Spalding Funeral Home in Highland Park is in charge of arrangements.