Obituary of Gussie Copper

The death of Gussie Elaine Cooper, in her 96th year, occurred on Friday, September 12, 2003 at St. Joseph's Hospital in London, Ontario. She was predeceased by three loving and much loved husbands; Austin Dundas (1944), William Bradford (1989) and Reginald Cooper (2000). She was also predeceased by her parents, George and Mable Liersch; brother Herman Liersch, sisters Ulah Sproule and Hilda Shaw; and step-daughter, Eileen Cowling. Gussie was born in London, Ontario on March 11,1908. She grew up and was educated in London and, with her first husband, Austin Dundas, owned and operated a grocery store on Quebec Street. Following Austin's death, she sold the store and worked at London City Hall in the city clerk's office with Reg Cooper and later as secretary to London mayors George Wenige and Allen Rush . Gussie and her second husband, William Bradford lived in Sarnia, Ontario. There, she was employed for twenty years as secretary to the General Manager and publisher of the Sarnia Observer, a Thomson newspaper. She was an active member of the IODE (Canatara chapter) and of St. George's Anglican Church and ACW in Sarnia . She and Bill retired to Twin Elms in Strathroy, Ontario, where they made many new friends and enjoyed winter trips to the Southern U.S. and Florida. Convenience to health facilities dictated a return to Cherry Hill, London where Gussie continued to lead an active social life and was a member of St. George's Anglican Church and ACW (London). Bill died in 1989 and in 1993 Gussie remarried widower, Reg Cooper, former London city clerk, with whom she had worked as a young woman. Gussie and Reg enjoyed seven years of happiness together before Reg's passing. Gussie's final residence was Grand Wood Park in London where she enthusiastically took part in the social activities until her final illness. Throughout her life, Gussie was known for her efficient secretarial skills, her delightful parties and her sunny personality. Even in difficult times she had a smile and cheerful word for everyone she met. Gussie will be sadly missed by her niece and goddaughter, Barbara (Shaw) Rice and her husband, Dr. John Rice, of Brandon, Manitoba along with their three daughters, Cynthia (Brian) Found and children , Shahna (Dean) Topolniski and son, and Sherri (Clint) Skibitzky. She also leaves a nephew, Gerry Sproule, of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. She will also be missed by Harold and Mary Bradford of London and their children Marnie (Wayne) Beckman, Jeffery (Julie) Bradford; and William (Patti) Bradford and all of their children and grandchildren. She is also survived by Richard Cowling of London, his children and grandchildren and by Ron and Joanne Cooper of Ballantrae, Ontario. Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, September 19, 2003 at St. George's Anglican Church on 227 Wharncliffe Road North, London. Interment will be at Woodland Cemetery, London. A luncheon at the church will follow. Gifts in Gussie's memory may be made to St. George's ACW group.