Trudie C. Cooper

February 23, 1933 — November 23, 2018

Gertrude (Trudie) Agnes Cannon Cooper, born February 23, 1933, entered into eternal rest on Friday, November 23, 2018. The oldest of three children of Gertrude Beshere and Norman L. Cannon, she was born in St. Francis Hospital, Charleston, South Carolina. Trudie, or later known as simply “Mimi,” was educated at Ashley Hall, Bishop England and the College of Charleston. She married her Citadel sweetheart, William Thomas (“Bill”) Cooper, on September 5, 1953, in the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist (“Cathedral”)--the church where she was baptized, made her first communion and was confirmed. A faithful, active and life-long member of the Cathedral and its many activities, religion played an important role in her life. Her faith was evident in her daily life as a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, grand-mother and friend. Trudie shared and reflected her faith through her genuine compassion for people and her service in the community, actively participating in charities like the Charles Webb Center, an early school for handicapped children. She had a lifetime love of working with and caring for children and children’s causes as well as the sick and the disadvantaged.

Trudie was active in civic, social and community affairs, including: Tri Delta Sorority; Tri Delta Alumni (Pres.); participant in Miss Charleston; La Sertoma (Pres.); Rotary Ann; and Daughters of the American Revolution, Rebecca Motte chapter. Also among her many joys was playing bridge and sharing laughs with her treasured friends.

However, the focus of her life was her family. She was married to the love of her life for 65 years. Together, they had six children, sixteen grand-children, one great-grand-child and many nieces and nephews that she loved like her own children. A nurturer at heart, she was truly a professional “Mother.” She raised five boys and one daughter, and cherished every minute. As a mother, she took pride in shepherding her children through six college degrees, two masters degrees and three doctorates; however, her children believe she deserved an honorary doctorate for her tireless role as a professional mother. During this time, summers were filled with memorable beach days on the Isle of Palms with her parents, Norman and Trudie Cannon, sister and brother-in-law, Norma Cannon and John M. Palms, their three children (John Jr., Danielle and Lee), brother, Joseph B. Cannon, and her family. As her children began having families of their own, she added the title “Mimi,” and transitioned to the role of grandmother while continuing as a trusted adviser to her children and later her grandchildrenHer surviving children are: Randolph William Cooper (Tamerlyne); Richard Thomas Cooper (Elisa); Norman Joseph Cooper (Dana); Trudie Cooper Krawcheck; William Cannon Cooper (Kathleen); John Ashley Cooper; and 16 grandchildren: Sarah Louise (“Weezie”) Churchill Cooper; Randolph William Cooper, Jr.; Alexandria Nichole Cummings; Kaitlyn Leigh Horner (Robert); Michael Thomas Cooper (Emily); William Lindsey Cooper; Thomas Norton Cooper; Christopher Grant Cooper (JoAnna); James Elliott Cooper; Kathryn Elizabeth Cooper; Jack Lee Krawcheck; Anna Marie Cooper; Bodin Jerome Cooper; Agnes Grace Cooper; Caroline Trudie Cooper; and John Ashley Cooper, Jr.; and one great-grandchild Conrad Hudson Stack.

The family wants to thank the dedicated and tireless staff at Bishop Gadsden for their faithful care. During these final years, the staff and caregivers at Bishop Gadsden have become a part of the extended family.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m, Monday, November 26, 2018,the at James A. McAlister Funeral Home, 1620 Savannah Hwy. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m., Tuesday, November 27, 2018, at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, 120 Broad Street, Charleston, S.C. The Rite of Committal will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist or to the MUSC Children’s Hospital, 59 Bee Street, Mail Code MSC 201, Charleston, S.C., 29425.

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