Grace S. Cooper's Obituary
Grace S. Cooper, age 86, of Rehoboth Beach, DE, passed away Wednesday, August 23, 2006, at Beebe Medical Center, Lewes, after suffering a heart attack at her home on Saturday evening, August 19. She was born on November 19, 1919, the third of three children of George E. and Belle Warrington Shockley. Mrs. Cooper was born in the then recently constructed family home where she lived her entire life.
She attended public school in Rehoboth Beach, graduating from high school in 1937. She graduated from the University of Delaware with a degree in mathematics in 1941. In 1944, Grace, along with a partner, started the Avenue Restaurant in Rehoboth Beach. The restaurant remained a very popular eating establishment for several decades following it's founding. Leaving the restaurant business in 1950, she took over the management of the family's extensive rental business while caring for her mother who's failing health prevented her from continuing in this capacity. She remained active in the rental business until her death. Mrs. Cooper met countless people and made many friends during her many years in business. She enjoyed a life-long pursuit of knowledge and was always ready to participate in stimulating conversation on most any topic. Grace was well known for the large evergreen tree in her side yard that was decorated with thousands of multi-colored lights each Christmas through 1999.
She is preceded in death by her husband Samuel J. Cooper in 1955; her mother in 1953; her father in 1962; her brother George W. Shockley in 1946: and her sister Helen S. Simpler in 1990. She is survived by her son Samuel R. Cooper, the Mayor of Rehoboth Beach, and his wife Diane; two nieces, Janice S. Yingling, of Rehoboth Beach and Emma Louise S. Miller of Middletown, DE: two nephews, Kenneth A. Simpler, of Rehoboth Beach and George W. Shockley, of Milford, DE.
Friends may call Monday evening, August 28, from 7-9 pm at Mrs. Cooper's home, 13 New Castle St., Rehoboth Beach. A funeral service will be held at 11 am, Tuesday, August 29, at the Epworth United Methodist Church, 20 Baltimore Ave., Rehoboth, where friends may call one hour prior. Burial will be in Epworth Cemetery, Henlopen Avenue, Rehoboth Beach.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Co., 219 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971; or Epworth United Methodist Church, 20 Baltimore Ave., Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971.
Arrangements are being handled by Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Lewes, DE.
Online condolences may be sent to: [email protected]
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