Mary Clare Cooper, of Hanover, NH passed away on April 28, 2024. She was born on July 18, 1933 in Detroit, Michigan to Joseph and Ann McGlynn and sister, Helen (Korte).

Mary Clare attended St. Ambrose Catholic School in Grosse Pointe, MI and later attended Western Michigan University. There she met Harold "Bud" Golla who was a Marine officer. Mary Clare and Bud married and had 4 children (Dan, Matt, Mary Beth and Bruce) whom they raised in Quantico, VA, Camp LeJune, NC, Detroit, MI, and Philadelphia, PA. Bud passed away in 1966.

A widow at age 33, Mary Clare was faced with raising four children, ages 6 months to 11 years. To support her family she went back to work as a kindergarten teacher at St. Aloysius Academy in Bryn Mawr, PA and at the School of the Holy Child in Rosemont. She also enrolled in night classes at the University of Pennsylvania. During those years, Mary Clare devoted herself to her children's education and activities, making sure everyone was involved in something.

In 1970, she met Fletcher "Terry" Cooper who coached and taught her sons Dan and Matt at The Haverford School. Terry and Mary Clare married in 1972 and had a daughter together, Sarah.

In 1978, they Philadelphia and moved to Vermont. They lived in Quechee, Hanover and later, on a beautiful property atop Glen Ridge Road in Norwich where they lived for over 30 years and where Mary Clare enjoyed gardening, painting and "puttering" around the home.

Mary Clare was actively involved in the Upper Valley community. She was a member of St. Thomas Episcopal church, she substituted for years at the Ray School in Hanover and was in the first docent group when the Hood Museum of Art opened in 1985, remaining a volunteer there for 30 years. Mary Clare was a talented artist herself- she enjoyed oil on canvas, sketching, and creating beautiful watercolor books for her grandchildren. She was also an avid journal keeper- her children have enjoyed reading her journals with her over the past several months and will treasure them forever.

Until Terry's passing in 2019, Mary Clare and Terry were always together. They spent summers at Camp Tecumseh on Lake Winnipesaukee and enjoyed summer trips to Maine. One of their favorite spots was Monhegan Island where they loved to hike the rugged terrain. They also enjoyed traveling to visit their children and grandchildren who brightened their lives.

Mary Clare was a storyteller at times, but also curious, attentive, and interested in hearing about everyone's day to day life. She was always willing to offer advice and ready to share in laughter and fun and she embraced new adventures and challenges. These qualities made her a special mother.

Mary Clare leaves behind her 5 children Daniel (Chris), Matthew (Michelle), Mary Mayhew (Randall), Bruce, and Sarah Wilde (Richard), 11 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren who will miss her dearly.

Her family sends thanks to Bayada and the team at Harvest Hill in Lebanon. A private service celebrating Mary Clare's life will be held in June.