Caryl C (Runner) Cooper

Caryl C. Cooper Glenville - On October 16, 2024 our beloved Mother joined our Father, Donald, in Heaven at the wonderful age of 101. Mom was born on May 23, 1923 and raised by her mother, Gladys Runner, on the Valleyview Pony Farm which was just over a mile north of her beloved Centre Glenville United Methodist Church for which she was an active member for nine decades. After graduating from Scotia High School and attending Indiana University she returned to Scotia where she worked to support the war effort at the General Electric. Caryl's life changed forever while working as a cashier at the Grand Union on Mohawk Avenue, as that was where she met her favorite grocery packer, Donald.

The loving couple were married for over 74 years and raised their eight boys and one girl in our two-bedroom Cape that Dad built. Raising such a large family on limited means presented many challenges, but Mom's quiet strength, grace and love was more than enough to give all of us a great childhood and make us the kind and decent adult kids she worked so hard and sacrificed so much to raise. Over her lifetime twenty Grandchildren and twenty-three Great Grandchildren were blessed to be loved and cared for by Grandma. Who best to share their thoughts on Mom's legacy than her family who knew and loved her most:

"Your love, wisdom and dedication created strong family bonds that will last lifetimes. When you had something to say, it held meaning and we all listened. Thank you for making our lives richer and instilling the importance of traditions. I hope I can give my grandchildren the same love and memories you gave yours"

"101 years. What a life. What a legacy. You will be forever missed. Thank you for being the BEST kind of Grandma. I'll always look to the sky to find you. Give Grandpa a hug for me, cook all the chocolate chip cookies and run free with all who have passed before you. Love you so much Grandma"

"Grandma, this morning I bet you are sitting on your deck with Grandpa watching the sunrise over a beautiful lake sipping your coffee with your favorite birds at the feeder and getting ready to take Pipa or one of your other pups for a leisurely walk in the woods. May you always have Sunshine on Your Shoulders. We love and miss you."

"How many of you will have things on your bucket list like zip lining at age 94, a hot air balloon ride at 95, motorcycle ride at 96 and horseback riding at 98. My mother in law did. She lived to be 101 and continues to inspire us all. You leave behind a great legacy mom, and will be greatly missed."

"Rest in peace to the matriarch of the best family ever. To the best Grandma, cheers to such an amazing life filled with love and laughter. I'm so grateful for the time we spent together and the support you and Grandpa showed me. I will miss you coming over for dinners and holidays, making your famous chocolate chip cookies, working so hard on your annual family calendars, and always showing up for us. You and Grandpa built a beautiful legacy of a family that serves a testament to your hard work and love."

"Mom there was a quiet strength about you that we all so admired. You met all the challenges of raising nine kids with love and sacrifice. You provided childcare for your grandkids when your kids needed it most. In your nineties, when Dad's health was failing, you insisted on being his caregiver and fought to keep him home. And when your physical health began to wane, you fought. You fought through radiation treatments and physical therapy, you fought through a weak heart and wound care, you fought to maintain your independence and stay in your own home, you even fought in the hours before your passing and you fought until you couldn't fight anymore. A great life lesson for us all. "Come on Judge hit the ball!"

Mom, may you rest in the peace you so richly deserve.

Caryl was predeceased by her parents Claude and Gladys Runner, her brothers Meredith, Waldo and George. Caryl is survived by her nine children, Len (Carol), Diane Lavery (Pat), Wayne, Mark (Polaki), Kevin (Leandra), Clark (Sue), Dennis (Nancy), Kent (Gina) and Gordon (Debbie). She was treasured by her loving grandchildren; Mike (Isabelle), Brett (Julie), Donna, Dawn (Jeff), John (Gina), Kate (Cody Jon), Brad (Kayla), Greg, Becca, Samantha (Mike), Shannon (Ian), Tyler, Trevor, Amanda (Michael), Rachael (Jason), Elizabeth (Jake), Christopher, Kait (Brandon), Haley and Taylor and her twenty-three great grandchildren. As a Mother, Grandma and Great Grandma, she will be missed, cherished and forever loved.

Our family would like to extend our deep appreciation to Dr. Martin and Dr. Parks, the Landmark staff and Mom's Physical Therapist, Teresa for their compassionate care, and to the Glenville Hills EMS, Joanne and Lourdes for your support and kindness.

Relatives and family friends are welcome to attend a memorial service for Caryl on Saturday, November 2 at 1 p.m. at the Centre Glenville United Methodist Church, 151 Bolt Rd, Scotia, NY. the burial will take place at the church following a reception, all are invited. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be sent to the Centre Glenville United Methodist Church, PO Box 2772, Glenville, NY 12325-0772.

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