Peggy Jean Cooper

Peggy Jean Martin Cooper, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother passed away peacefully September 29, 2024, at the age of 92.  Born in Floresville, Texas, on April 1, 1932, to Loyd Franklin Martin and Blossom Mary Goff, Peggy, affectionately known as “Mimi” to her family, lived a life full of love, laughter, and devotion to her family and community.

In 1937, Peggy’s family moved to San Marcos, Texas.  In her youth, she played volleyball at San Marcos High and joined the school band as a twirler.  In San Marcos, Peggy’s lifelong love for music began, as did her love for her high school sweetheart, Edwin H. Cooper-Class of ’53 at Texas A&M.  They wed on September 1, 1951, beginning a life of love and partnership that spanned more than seven decades.  Immediately after marriage, Peggy began working as a teller in a local bank in Bryan to support Edwin as he completed his last two years at A&M.  She also worked at the First Bank & Trust, the Bank of A&M, and completed her working career with many fun years at the Association of Former Students on the A&M Campus.

Together, they raised five children: Linda, Gary, Laurie, Teresa, and Abbie.

Peggy’s talents were endless—she managed a household of seven, supported her husband’s work, and made a home filled with creativity and warmth—all with grace.  A gifted seamstress, Peggy lovingly crafted her children’s clothing, including beautiful Easter dresses every year, then prom dresses and wedding gowns when the time came.  She gifted to those she loved beautiful handmade quilts, a testament to her craftsmanship and caring heart.

As a proud member of Brazos Bluebonnet Quilt Guild, Peggy loved attending the International Quilt Festival in Houston.  She passed down her love of sewing and quilting to her grandchildren, always eager to spend time with the next generation.  Her impressive fabric stash was a source of pride and humor; she often remarked it would be her family’s inheritance.

Peggy was a phenomenal cook who could whip up anything, from fresh-caught fish to venison and quail. Well-known for her incredible desserts, whether hosting bridge club or a fabulous party, she made everything look effortless.  Peggy was a tech enthusiast before most.  She became a whiz at using satellite TV, always muted the commercials, and typed all of Edwin’s manuscripts and articles, submitting them electronically with attached photos—a true partner in every sense.

Peggy nurtured an adventurous spirit with her love for the outdoors.  She spent summers camping and swimming the San Marcos, Guadalupe, and Blanco Rivers, and loved the beach.  Even into her 60s, she could be found waterskiing and taking her grandchildren skiing and tubing.  Her boating skills were legendary to youngsters seeking a thrill on the water.  In their retirement, Edwin and Peggy loved to travel. For example, one of her favorite trips was traveling across Canada on the Canadian Railway with close friends from Franklin.

Spiritual life was very important to Peggy and her family. She was an active member of the First Methodist Church in San Marcos, Bryan, College Station, and Franklin.  Peggy and Edwin sang in the choir together, and both were active in the Walk to Emmaus Community.  Peggy’s love of music extended into her later years, as she learned to play the ukulele, performing with the Sonshine Strummers from the Methodist Church in Franklin.  She loved to share the joy of music with the gift of her beautiful voice.  One of her cherished summer traditions was taking her grandchildren to Vacation Bible School, where they shared her love of music, and learned songs of faith together, which they still remember fondly.

Family meant everything to Peggy.  She cherished heritage, taking great pride in planning and attending family gatherings, especially the Martin Family Reunion.  Peggy and her sister, Patsy, attended the 2024 reunion this summer, a final testament to her enduring love for family.  Birthdays, boat parades at Camp Creek, Aggie football games, Halloween, Bonfire, Thanksgiving, and Christmas will never be the same without her.

Peggy was preceded in death by her loving husband, Edwin H. Cooper; her parents, Loyd and Blossom Martin; and her brothers and sisters. She leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, and generosity that will live on in the hearts of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.  She is survived by her five children, Linda & Mike Bridges, Gary & Lisa Castenson Cooper, Laurie Middleton, Teresa Boriski, Abbie & Kevin Krolczyk, 12 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Enhabit Hospice and The Waterford at College Station for the compassionate care they provided in her final years.

A celebration of Peggy’s life will be held on November 9, 2024, at 2:00 PM at Callaway-Jones in Bryan, Texas. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Brazos Bluebonnet Quilt Guild at PO Box 9497, College Station, TX 77842, or to the Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org or PO Box 1950, Clarksburg, MD 20871-1950.

Rest in peace, Mimi, and thank you for the unconditional love, boundless laughter, and heartwarming beauty you brought into this world.