Mary Lou Cooper

Captain Mary’s final voyage on Teacher’s Pet II set sail too early for the Heavens the morning of August 29, 2017.

Mary Lou Cooper, 70, born on August 8, 1947, passed away peacefully after a brief illness.  A lifelong resident of the Portage Lakes, Captain Mary loved boating and swimming in the PLX, sharing her pride and knowledge of its local history and lore.  She was proud captain of the Teacher’s Pet II, taking friends, family, guests and pets on tours to share her love of the Lakes.  She was a captain for the Akron Symphony Guild’s Lakes Tour Parade of Homes for 20 years.

She graduated with honors from the University of Akron with a degree in Health and Physical Education.  Mary loved her 42-year teaching career with Akron Public Schools, primarily at North and Garfield High Schools, and the Summit County Juvenile Detention Facility. 

Mary was a trailblazer in women’s sports, as a player, coach and referee.  Her proudest moments were with her successful and dedicated North volleyball and softball teams.  She also coached golf, basketball and tennis.  She was inducted into the Summit County Softball Hall of Fame in 2014 as an athlete and umpire.  This summer, she proudly donated her softball glove to the Akron Racers.

A loving and caring friend to animals, Mary donated hundreds of hours to local pet rescue organizations, while fostering and sitting numerous dogs and cats in her home.  She volunteered with Northern Ohio Golf Charities, assisting with special needs guest transportation for the Bridgestone Invitational. 

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Robert Cooper and Margaret Caplinger.  She is survived by her life-partner, Alberta Veri, and their furry companions; sisters, Joanne (Jan) Harbort and Susan Harris; nephews, Tom Maudru and David Harris; niece, Beth (Tim) Queen; as well as many friends, former students and co-workers throughout the country.

Funeral service will be held at 5 P.M. on Thursday, August 31, 2017 at Schermesser Funeral Home, 600 E. Turkeyfoot Lake Rd. (SR619), Akron, Ohio 44319.  Family and friends may call on Thursday from 3 P.M. until the time of the service at the funeral home.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mary’s name to The Humane Society of Summit County, 7996 Darrow Road., Twinsburg, Ohio 44087 or to the Portage Lakes Fireworks Association (PLFA), P.O. Box 26923, Akron, Ohio 44319.  To leave a special message online for the family, visit our website at www.schermesserfh.com.

SCHERMESSER
(330) 899-9107
www.schermesserfh.com