Obituary of Bina P. Cooper

Mongaup Valley, NY

Bina “Peggy” Cooper, a trailblazer and beacon of resilience, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family, leaving behind a legacy that spans continents and generations.

Born to sharecroppers in 1933, Peggy's life began on a farm in Pennsylvania where she experienced a childhood marked by tenacity. Raised by her mother and grandmother alongside her brother, Clarence, she learned the value of hard work and independence early on. Despite challenges, Peggy’s spirit was undeterred, and her determination to learn and grow remained steadfast throughout her life as she carved a path for herself that defied expectations.

Peggy’s adventures took her far beyond the farm. In the 1950’s, she flew 30 hours on four planes to get to Japan, where she spent significant time with her brother, Clarence, and her sister-in-law, Misako. Armed with a camera they got her as a gift, Peggy explored the country and developed a deep appreciation for Japanese culture and aesthetics. Her love for American history led her to countless monuments and forts, from Mt. Rushmore to the Alamo, often with her (slightly less historically inclined) family in tow. A passionate traveler, Peggy imparted her wanderlust to her grandchildren, taking them on journeys around the globe from England to Mexico.

It was at a roller rink in Syracuse where Peggy’s life took a romantic turn. During a slow song, Gary Cooper mustered the courage to ask her to be his skating partner. Despite a somewhat rocky start involving him ordering a five-cent beer and she, a forty-cent scotch, Gary somehow managed to continue funding their dates. In November of 1955, they began a marriage that lasted over 61 happy years. Together, they built a successful sand and gravel business from the ground up, a venture that saw Peggy master heavy machinery and challenge gender norms. Her prowess with a backhoe and front-end loader even garnered media attention, as onlookers marveled at the “wisp of a woman” skillfully operating such formidable equipment.

Her career was as diverse as it was impressive. From her early days as a soda jerk to later roles as a bookkeeper, Peggy was always ahead of her time. An avid reader, her thirst for knowledge never waned. It was almost impossible to beat her in Scrabble or Jeopardy, and she regularly completed crossword puzzles (even on Sunday!) In recognition of her accomplishments and dedication to lifelong learning, Peggy was awarded an honorary Bachelor's Degree from Pace University in 2014.

Her home in Monticello, shared with Gary and their two rambunctious sons, Matt and Greg, was filled with love as well as perpetual mischief and pranks. Though her hobbies of crocheting and puzzling tended toward the more serene, far from being exasperated by the constant shenanigans that surrounded her, Peggy was the first to join in the laughter and fun.   

Peggy’s determination was matched only by her generosity. A benefactor of many noble causes including Wounded Warriors and Native American charities, she shared her success with compassion. She also strongly supported the arts, instilling a love of theatre in her family. 

Peggy’s memory will live on with every passport stamp, every bite of zemel (that needs just a bit more cinnamon), and every hearty laugh shared with loved ones. Predeceased by her husband Gary, she is survived by her children, Matt and his wife Angela, and Greg and his wife Mary; her grandchildren Christine and her husband Mark, Theresa and her husband Nick, Sean and his wife Tara, William, and Nathan; and her great-grandchildren Vinny, Gabriel, Madison, and Iris, as well as several pets who will deeply miss treats being snuck to them under the dinner table.

In celebrating Peggy’s life, we honor a woman whose remarkable journey was characterized by perseverance, love, and an unquenchable curiosity for the world. Her legacy is a testament to a life well lived, and the impact of her passing will be felt keenly by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

An intimate, private service will be held by the family, with a memorial to follow at a later date.

For those wishing to express condolences, please direct them to the Coopers at P.O. Box 1, Monticello, NY 12701, her address which she regarded with affection and pride.

Arrangements are honorably entrusted to the Joseph N. Garlick Funeral Home - 845-794-7474 or www.josephngarlickfuneralhome.com.