ADAMS CENTER, NY — Anna Mae Searles Cooper, 85 Adams Center, passed away Saturday, May 12, at her home.
The funeral service will be noon Tuesday, May 15, at Trinity Episcopal Church, 227 Sherman St., Watertown. Burial will be private in Brookside Cemetery. There are no calling hours.
Arrangements are with the Reed & Benoit Funeral Home, Watertown.
Anna Mae is survived by her only son, Robert Searles Cooper (Michele), Benbrook, TX; a granddaughter Colleen Cooper, Benbrook, TX; two great granddaughters Hannah and Macey, Texas; a brother Kermit G. Searles II (Elizabeth), Adams Center and her dear friend Sandra Haight of Adams Center; many nieces and nephews and her dear Pug, Honey. She was predeceased by her parents and a nephew Kermit G. Searles, III.
Also, as a teacher, she leaves behind many students she referred to as “my kids”.
A marriage to Robert P. Cooper ended in divorce.
She was born at Mercy Hospital, Watertown, December 17, 1932, a daughter to Kermit and Ellen R. Searles. Anna Mae attended Adams Center School from 1st grade through 12th. Following her graduation in 1950, she left for Potsdam State Teachers College, graduating with her teaching certificate in 1954.
Anna Mae started her teaching career in September of 1954, teaching 4th grade in the Adams Center school. She watched it change from Adams Center to the South Jefferson Central School District. She retired in 1988 after 34 years teaching 4th grade. She was well known for the 3 F’s…fair, firm and forthright.
Anna Mae was very athletic and was the first woman in Adams to bowl a 600 triple at the Adams Bowling Lanes. She was a golfer and winner of the Women’s Member Guest at Tomacy’s Golf Club. She was a member of Tomacy’s Golf Club, Ives Hill in Watertown, and Thendara Golf Club.
An avid reader, she could always be found with a book in her hand, most often about history. She loved people and will be remembered for her warm smile. She was an avid talker and could be found talking to anyone who would talk to her.
Enjoying the outdoors was her passion. She spent many seasons in her log cabin in Thendara, NY. To her, each spring was like going home again. Thendara and Old Forge were like a second home with many friends.
Anna Mae is a member of Trinity Episcopal Church on Sherman St. where she was baptized as an infant.
Anna Mae would like to thank her Trinity family who have been there for her. Many Thanks. Also, many thanks to the women of Hospice who gave their time and expertise to assure she was well cared for and comfortable, especially Sue Munson. Thanks to dear friends and neighbors, Rachael and Scott Johnson, who made sure she was well fed and comfortable. Rachael often walked “Honey” when needed.
Memorial donations may be made in her name to the Trinity Church Music Program, 227 Sherman St., of Hospice of Jefferson County, 1398 Gotham St., both in Watertown, NY 13601.
ADAMS CENTER, NY — Anna Mae Searles Cooper, 85 Adams Center, passed away Saturday, May 12, at her home.
