THE family of the late Susan Cooper have paid tribute to a beloved sister who was known for her determined nature.

Susan (62), late of Enniskillen, passed away peacefully at the South West Acute Hospital (SWAH) on June 7.

At her funeral service on Wednesday, June 9, Susan’s brother, William Cooper, led tributes on behalf of her family.

Referring to the book of Ruth in the Bible, he said: “There’s a lovely passage in the book of Ruth where Naomi praises Ruth for her determination – that’s a great description for Susan: determined.”

Born on July 25, 1958, from the outset there was a very determined streak in Susan’s nature, explained her brother.

That determination stood Susan in good stead as she attended Belmont House School in Derry at eight years of age, where she was a weekly boarder until the age of 15.

On leaving Belmont House, Susan continued her education at Parkanaur School near Dungannon and completed a City and Guilds course in cookery.

“She put these skills to good use when she lived with our mum and dad at the Moorings on the Dublin Road, where she was thoroughly spoilt,” said William, commenting that their parents were “devoted to her”.

Having spent so much time away from home, Susan was in her element on holidays with her family in Portnoo.

“The determined streak was evident in Portnoo too when she tossed off the armbands and in no time at all she learned to swim in a perfectly co-ordinated breaststroke. She happily spent hours swimming up and down the harbour,” recalled William.

In her adult life Susan attended the Drumcoo Day Centre for more than 20 years. It was a place that she loved going to, where she learned many new skills, enjoyed many outings, day trips and concerts, and made lots of friends.

‘Knew all the moves’

“It was there she took up line dancing, the initial attraction being the boots, jeans, checked shirt and cowboy hat, but once the music started up, off she went! She could do a fair turn on the floor, and knew all the moves,” said William.

He noted how the family are “indebted” to the staff of the Drumcoo Day Centre for their “generosity, encouragement and the loving support they give to all the attendees”.

Acknowledging other people who had a major impact on Susan’s life, William said: “None more so than my sister Patricia; indeed, my brothers and I are indebted to her.

“She deserves special mention, because for very many years she has selflessly devoted so much time and energy looking after Susan’s welfare.”

He also gave a special mention to Eileen Woods who “loved Susan unreservedly from the moment she was born”, and their late Aunt Ethne, who was a “huge source of encouragement” to Susan and remained “supportive to the very end”.

Over the past few years, Susan’s health deteriorated badly. “She endured numerous operations on her hip which eventually had to be removed.

“Her mobility was badly affected, but again determination was always to the fore,” said William, adding that although Susan endured long painful stays in hospital, she was “remarkably stoic”.

‘Escape route’

“At the first glimpse of an escape route, she got up on her crutches and cruised downtown to Boots, Dorothy Perkins, M&S and Next.

“She could frequently be spotted in town, laden down with shopping bags,” he said.

Just before lockdown, Susan went to stay in Trevenna Lodge Residential Home, where the staff were “excellent”.

“She then had a spell in Millcroft [Nursing Home] and yet again the staff there did everything to keep her comfortable.

“During her last four weeks at the SWAH, the doctors and nurses couldn’t have done more – their care for her was second to none,” said William.

Arranged by Austen Stinson of W. T. Morrison Funeral Directors, Susan’s funeral service was led by Reverend Lorna Dreaning and took place on Wednesday, June 9 at Ballycassidy House Funeral Home.

Beloved daughter of the late Ian and Noelle, dearly loved sister of James, William, Patricia, Stephen and Richard, much loved sister-in-law, aunt and friend, Susan is lovingly remembered by her family and friends.

“We loved her, and we will miss her, but at least now, her struggle is over,” said William.