Henrietta Jessie (Leister) Cooper

Henrietta Jessie (Leister) Cooper, 97, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, July 30, 2020.  She was a resident in the Church of God Home, Carlisle. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 54 years, William H. Cooper, daughter, Ida Marie (Cooper) Eby, as well as her siblings, Elizabeth I. Nickey, Gladys L Ingram, and John Leister. She is survived by grandchildren Rebecca M. E. Williams (Scott) of Waunakee, WI and Matthew A. Eby of Port Angeles, WA and son-in-law David E. Eby of Centennial, CO.

Born April 19, 1923, in Hanover, PA, to Wilber S. Leister and Carrie M. (Rife) Leister, her compassionate life was spent nurturing others.  Growing up, she looked after her disabled younger brother, John.  After graduation from Eichelberger HS, she worked at the Hanover Shoe Company, Lane LaBells’ Dress Company and Piezo Crystal Plant. 

She met Bill at the Flirts and Shirts square dancing club, the foundation of their lifetime in-step partnership.  They married in 1958 and resided on Bell’s Hill farm in Landisburg where they farmed and raised daughter Marie.  Henrietta enjoyed needlework, and facilitated crafts for patients working at the Harrisburg State Hospital.  In retirement, she lovingly crocheted hundreds of baby blankets that were donated to Birthright, the needy, and her two great granddaughters, Sydney and Meghan Williams.  Bill and Henrietta explored the country by RV in their golden years, and resided in Largo, FL, before returning to Perry County.  Henrietta wrapped others in comfort with her warm smile, zigzag-pattern afghans and homemade strawberry shortcake.  The family is planning a private memorial service.  Henrietta was a member of the New Hope United Church of Christ in Landisburg, where memorial contributions may be made in lieu of flowers.  

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