Jennifer Marie (Hurst) Cooper

Jennifer Marie Cooper (nee Hurst), 59, of Philadelphia passed on October 24, 2022.  She was a loving wife of 40 years to William H. Cooper, a wonderful mother to Stephanie Gill (David), and William H. Cooper II, and a devoted and adoring mom mom to her grandchildren Logan Gill and Katie Gill.  She is also survived by her father Frank Hurst, her brother Gerald Hurst (Linda), and her sisters, Collen M. Kessler, Allison M. Hurst, Sarahjane M. Metzger (Derek), and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her mother Sarahjane “Sally” Hurst (nee Foley), and her sister Diane M. Hess.

Jennifer was a proud Hallahan girl, class of 1981.  She loved her red hair and Irish Heritage.  She loved spending time with friends and family, especially at the Jersey Shore and WDW.  

Relatives and friends are invited to her Memorial Mass on Saturday October 29, 2022 at 11am at St. Ephrem Church, 5400 Hulmeville Road, Bensalem, PA 19020.  A visitation will be held before mass from 10am to 11am.

Interment will be held privately.

In honor of Jennifer’s memory donations to Saint Ephrem School, 5340 Hulmeville Road, Bensalem, PA 19020, would be appreciated. (saintephremschool.com/giving)

Words of remembrance

First, on behalf of my family, thank you for celebrating my mom today.  I was fortunate to call her mom, but she was known by a lot of names- wife, mom, mom mom, sister, aunt, niece, cousin, and most commonly friend.

My dad won’t like this part, but… my parents celebrated 40 years of marriage this summer. I am proud of both of them for the commitment they showed each other, the love they shared, and their ability to weather any storm.  My dad stood by her side through every moment of my mom’s health journey, and I know first hand that it wasn’t easy.  So thank you, dad, for showing me what courage and commitment look like.

She was a wonderful mom- she really gave my brother and I a great life.  She loved us, she forgave us, she taught us to be kind and generous people, and she made us dinner every freaking night (which I now know is such a chore). Like a real dinner- meat, starch, and two vegetables.

My mom shined brightest as a mom mom. Logan and Katie were the light of her life. She played hide and go seek, started keep away games in the pool, rode roller coasters, blew out the bank account at the arcade… she did all the fun things. She took amazing care of them.  She was dependable, affectionate, and would do anything to make them happy!  She let them use play doh and glitter. She dressed up as a cow on chic-fil-a day. She even helped with homework. She also made dinner at my house almost every shift I worked!

My mom was celebrations and holidays. My mom was flip flops and coconut rum.  She was Minnie ears and The Magic Kingdom.  She was butter cookies and “little hotdogs”.  She was shamrocks and bad dance moves. She was sunshine and bright colors. She never wore grey- her personality was way too cheerful for that. I credit my mom for my positive outlook on life, because her glass was always half full, she always hoped for the best in a situation, and she always saw the good in people.

When I think of my mom, another thing that comes to mind is chatting. She was social, inviting, and friendly. Whether around the sea grove pool or one of the million times I had to drag her out of a store because she and the sales person clicked and were talking and talking… we all know my mom had the gift of the gab.

Life is difficult sometimes. Things don’t always go according to plan. My mom’s life was no exception. Things weren’t always easy for her, but nonetheless, she persisted. My family’s life is painful and messy right now. I know we will persist.  The days will get easier. Hopefully we start to reflect with more smiles than tears over time. I know this because my mom was resilient and strong, and she was, after all, our greatest teacher. She was “simply the best”. 

In closing, my mom asked me about two weeks ago if she could consider herself a cancer survivor. Yes, mom, you are!  You beat the odds. You fought hard to get six more years.  Six amazing years where we made so many memories. The last few months do not define her life… the 59 years of truly living do.  I am very proud of you, mom.

Thank you.
 

Arrangements by John J. Bryers Funeral Home, www.bryersfh.com

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