Helen Peterson Cooper

HOMESTEAD, FLA./ OREGON-On Monday, Jan. 9, 2012, Helen Peterson Cooper went to be with her Lord and Savior. She was 97 years old. Helen was born in Stoughton, in 1914, to Oscar and Olga (Egner) Hanson. She graduated from Oregon High School in 1932, where she was prom queen and had the leading role in the senior play. After high school, Helen worked as a dental assistant for Dr. Ogilvie for “a dollar a day”. In 1938, Walter Peterson pursued this lovely lady for his bride and brought her to Goulds, Fla., where they began their life together as a pioneer farm family. Those days were full of challenges but the farm and potato business grew as did her involvement in the community. Helen was a member of the Eastern Star and Worthy Matron, Sunday school teacher at Silver Palm Methodist Church, Brownie and Girl Scout leader, participated in Home Demonstration projects and was an ever-present mother, teacher and friend. Her travels to Israel and Scandinavia with Walter were highlights for her life. She loved to china paint, make hand-stitched quilts, crochet, embroidery, sing and play the piano. After Walter passed in 1982, Helen married Don Cooper in 1984 and they spent time in the mountains of North Carolina. It was there that she painted many beautiful pictures. She was widowed again in 1998. Recently, Helen has been surrounded by her family and enjoyed the “peace of the Redland”. She is survived by her daughters, Ann Maree (Jack) Walker and Sue (Craig) Eldredge; grandchildren, Jeff Roberts, Tamara Triana, Kirstin Eldredge, and Aaron Eldredge; great-grandchildren, Courtney Roberts, Leven Roberts, and Tiffany Trilli; her nephew, Philip L. (Carol) Peterson; her niece, Norma (Robert) Jenkins, both of Oregon, Wis.; and her beloved caretaker, Carman Seepersad. Helen was preceded in death by her brother and sister-in-law, Buzz and Peggy Hanson. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON OREGON FUNERAL HOME, 1150 Park St., Oregon, at 11 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 16, 2012, with the Rev. Paul Markquart presiding. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will be at Prairie Mound Cemetery, Oregon. Cemetery: Burial will be at Prairie Mound Cemetery, Oregon. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON OREGON FUNERAL HOME, 1150 Park St., Oregon, at 11 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 16, 2012, with the Rev. Paul Markquart presiding.