Lotis Cooper

CANFIELD-Lotis June Cooper passed away peacefully in her sleep on June 12, 2019 at Brookfield Family Living in Austintown.

Lotis was born September 2, 1922 on the family ranch in Phoenix, Nebraska.  She was the second of three daughters born to John Storjohn and Alice Evans Storjohn.

Lotis grew up on the ranch and rode her horse to a one-room schoolhouse through the eighth grade.  She attended high school in Atkinson Nebraska, then went to the University of Nebraska in Lincoln, Nebraska, where she graduated with a Bachelor in Commercial Arts in 1945.  She moved to Omaha, Nebraska and met her husband Frank William Cooper, who employed her as his secretary. Lotis married Frank in 1947 at the ranch in O’Neill. They made their home in Omaha, where their three children were born.

The Cooper family moved to New Hampshire in 1957, to New Jersey in 1958, and finally to Pittsburgh, Pa in 1960, where they remained until 1982.  Lotis kept busy with the children, PTA and local charitable organizations including the YWCA and American Association of University Women. As a lifelong lover and supporter of the arts, Lotis was instrumental in founding Symphony North, a charitable organization dedicated to the Pittsburgh Symphony.

Lotis traveled extensively with her husband, children, sisters and friends.  She enjoyed trips to Europe, Asia, Egypt, Alaska, Hawaii, and most of the continental United States.

Lotis and Frank remained in Pittsburgh until 1982 when they moved to Simsbury, Connecticut and later Lecanto, Florida.  They moved to Canfield, Ohio in 1993. Lotis quickly became involved in numerous clubs and organizations including the Youngstown Symphony Guild, the Welsh Club, the Canfield Presbyterian Church, several bridge clubs, and the Canfield Republican Women’s Club.  She and Frank were charter members of Opera Western Reserve.

Lotis loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and looked forward to their visits. She said that some of the happiest days were when her grandchildren were born. The grandchildren loved spending time with Lotis, and especially enjoyed the sleep-overs. She loved to play the piano, and particularly enjoyed when her grandchildren played piano for her.

Lotis lost her husband of 65 years, Frank, in January 2013. She was sustained by her family and friends, and continued to attend various dinners, shows, and fund-raising events.  Lotis left her beautiful home in October 2015 and resided at Brookdale Senior Living in Austintown until her death.

Lotis was preceded in death by her husband Frank W. Cooper, and a sister, Deloris Neumann.  She is survived by her sister, Betty Stewart of Grand Island, Nebraska; her children, John W. Cooper (Gena) of Cedaredge, Colorado, Linda J. Cooper (Rodney Lamberson)of Canfield; and Cheryl M. Cooper (Frank Jewell)of San Clemente, California, grandchildren Zachary J. Cooper, Vanessa M. Page, Vita J. Lamberson (Michael Mathes), Christopher W. Cooper, Zoe A. Saadey (Anthony), Lauren E. McEwan (Scott), Eli F. Lamberson, Eva P. Lamberson, and great-grandchildren Simon F. Mathes, Nora J. Mathes, and Paige E. McEwan.

Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday June 19, at the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Home, Canfield Chapel and again on Thursday June 20 from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Canfield Presbyterian Church followed by a funeral service celebrating the life of Lotis Cooper.

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Vanessa, Lisa, and the staff of Brookdale Senior Living for providing such loving care to Lotis for the past three years.  They also express deep gratitude to the Ohio Living Hospice nurses and staff for their kind attention during her last months.

In lieu of flowers, gifts and donations may be made to Opera Western Reserve, 1000 Fifth Ave., Youngstown, OH 44504-1672, http://www.operawesternreserve.org.

Friends may visit www.higgins-reardon.com to view this obituary, sign the guest book, and send e-mail condolences.