Shirley McLaughlin Cooper

February 8, 1935 - April 8, 2017

Shirley McLaughlin Cooper, passed away peacefully on April 8, 2017, surrounded by her family in Columbia, SC. She was born February 8, 1935 in East McKeesport, PA, a daughter of the late Oliver and Florence (Utt) McLaughlin and was also preceded in death by a sister Margaret June Smouse. She is survived by her husband John Cooper, her sister Virginia Ives, her children David and Sarah Cooper, Bruce and Katherine Cooper, John and Carol Pascutti, Rich and Patty Liverance, along with 16 grandchildren and 8 spouses, and 7 great-grandchildren. Her extraordinary life was marked by warmth, generosity, and her signature smile. She was a friend to all – eagerly helping anyone in need. She noticed everyone and was sure to make each person feel special. She proudly told of her trust in Jesus Christ, wanting everyone to know Her Savior. Shirley and John fell in love at East McKeesport High School and were later married in 1956. For the next 61 years, they were a winning team. They lived life to the fullest enjoying travel and sports with each other and their kids while living in Pennsylvania, California, Indiana, Georgia, and South Carolina. As a mother, Shirley was unmatched. She created a home filled with homemade food, happy music, laughter, singing, Steelers football, and an open door to anyone wanting to join in the fun. As kids were married and scattered throughout the country, she clocked countless miles to make it to every birth and special event in her grandkids’ lives. They were the sunshine of her life. She loved John with her whole heart and together with him, Shirley poured herself into 3 generations; instilling faith, joy and boundless encouragement. She was the heart of the Cooper family and leaves a beautiful legacy. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the William Snyder Funeral Home Inc., 521 Main Street, Irwin, PA 15642. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday in First United Methodist Church, Oak & Third Streets, Irwin. Those attending please go directly to the church. Interment will follow in Penn Lincoln Memorial Park. For online condolences please visit www.snyderfuneralservices.com.