Obituary of Joan Marie Cooper

Joan Marie Cooper, 80, formerly of Washington, NJ passed away peacefully at the St. Luke's Brian D. Perin Hospice House on January 9, 2020 with her loving family by her side. Joan was born on April 25, 1939 in Hazelton, PA to the late George and Helen Polachak. Joan was a graduate of Hazelton High School where she grew up. She married the love of her life Vernon Richard Cooper on May 27, 1961. Together they raised three children and had the opportunity to travel the world. Their favorite thing to do together was cruise the Atlantic enjoying beautiful weather, delicious food, and an occasional adult tropical beverage. She and Vern took great pride in the successes of their children and rarely missed a Warren Hills football, field hockey, basketball, or softball game. She was employed as a CNA for Warren Haven Nursing Home prior to her retirement in 2004. Joan was of the Catholic faith and a parishioner and active member of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Phillipsburg for 40 years prior to moving to a nursing home. She was a past member of the Washington Township Fire Dept. Ladies Auxiliary. Joan enjoyed watching all sports. To the utter dismay of her children, she was an avid Eagles fan and was very excited to finally see them win a Super Bowl. Above all her family was her life. She adored spending time with her children and grandchildren. When sadness falls upon us, it is swiftly replaced with the thought of Toots and dad dancing the nights away in Heaven. Joan is survived by her loving children; son, Jeffrey Cooper and his wife Michele, daughters, Jacqueline Nassry and her husband Nadir, Janel Guidi and her husband Mark. Cherished grandchildren Alexa, Matthew, Kylie, Alyssa and Niklas. Her caring sister; Sylvia Nerino and her husband Ralph and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents she is preceded in death by her devoted husband Vernon R Cooper who passed in 1998 and her siblings; George E. Polachak, Helen Musolino and Thomas Polachak. The family wishes to thank the staff of Country Meadows Care Center for their caring and compassionate care of Joan throughout the duration of her illness. Family and friends may pay their respects on Monday January 13, 2020 from 10 AM– 12 PM at the Warren Hills Memorial Home, 234 W. Washington Ave. Washington, NJ 07882. Funeral services will be celebrated immediately following at 12:00 PM at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Sts. Peter & Paul Cemetery in Alpha, NJ In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Joan's name to the St. Luke's Brian D. Perin Hospice House, 2455 Black River Road, Bethlehem, PA 18015.