Friends, relatives and supporters of a beloved community member will be gathering on Sunday, May 1 to honour her long and interesting life.
And attendees at the Celebration of Life for Mary Anne Cooper at Inlet Theatre are being asked to wear red — Cooper's favourite colour.
Cooper passed away at the age of 107 in November 2021, but due to COVID-19 protocols, a tribute hasn't been held until now, said her daughter Corinna.
Cooper was well regarded for her commitment to protecting Ioco Townsite and vision for community. For her efforts, she was given the Freedom of the City, and the City of Port Moody will be co-sponsoring the memorial, Corinna said.
"This event commemorates those things she believed in: Community working together, community helping one another," Corinna said.
She noted as well that MAC, as she was sometimes known, helped others where she could (her yard was a community garden), loved to discuss ideas and have adventures with people.
"She inspired them to follow their dreams," Corinna said.
"At this celebration, the community will come together and remember her and give voice to what she meant to them and the community."
Cooper was an advocate for people working together for a cause. A documentary, called the Spirit of Port Moody, was made about her life and involvement in the City of Port Moody.
As well, for her 107th birthday, she asked people to do "random acts of kindness," her daughter said.
For her 106th birthday, a drive-thru birthday at the Ioco Townsite was organized on her behalf.
Memories of Cooper will be shared at this event, which will have three parts:
- Meet and greet: 3 to 3:30 p.m.
- Ceremony: 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.
- Reception: 5:30 to 7 p.m.
