Violetta Cooper (nee Morse) 1923-2014
At the funeral service in Viney Hill Church on Wednesday 26th November
2014, the following potted history was delivered by the vicar from notes provided by husband, Herbert :
Violetta, known, to everyone as Vi was born in Alaston Mesne, but lived most of her life at Viney Hill, and attended Viney Hill school.
In her early working years she secured work at Whitecroft Pin Factory, travelling to work and back on foot. Vi then spent a couple of years at a provisions shop in Lydney.
During the war years Vi worked for the NAAFI serving the Gloucestershire area.
She met Herbert Cooper, the son of Walter and Beatrice, and Vi and Herbert were married at Viney Hill in October 1945.
Herbert and Vi had three children over the next 9 years, Philippa, Pauline and Graham. Whilst the children were growing up Vi worked as a Dinner Lady at Viney Hill School.
Following this period Vi returned to 'provisions' in Lydney where she could 'tot up the bill' faster than any machine, the customers loved her. It is said that the customers preferred to be
served by Vi. In later years, long after she had finished work, she was still recognised and greeted by old customers when Vi and Herbert visited Lydney for shopping.
Vi was a member of Viney Hill Methodist Chapel, but more recently attended Lydney Methodist Church.
Vi loved knitting and baking for her family. For holidays there was seaside camping with the family, it is said that she loved the water as long as it was no deepr than 12" deep. Caravanning came
later, and whilst they were able Herbert and Vi loved winter holiday in Spain.
Vi had her own special sense of humour; when asked if she was alright she would reply "no, half left" and when asked if she wanted anything from the shops she would ask for "yes, a £50
note".
Vi, as a wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, neighbour and good friend was much loved and will be sadly missed.
Nan
We sit and we think of times gone by
Trying our best not to cry
A Nan, a mum, a sister and wife
Caring & loving the whole of your life
A cousin, a daughter and also an aunt
Imagining you’re gone, well we just can’t
No popping around to say ‘hello’
Or tapping the window to wave ‘cheerio’
Not hearing you say ‘she’s got my hair’
Not having you here is hard to bear
We remember your baking & the things you knitted
In Aran jumpers we were all kitted
Your chocolate sponge & yummy fruit cakes
Your sparkling cutlery & scene setting plates
Down the garden for Sunday lunch
Chatting & laughing as we munched
Mills & Boon that you loved to read
New Year’s Eve parties & little Weed
Our walks in the woods with sweets in your pocket
Your golden chain with an oval locket
Having ‘elevenses’….biscuits and all!
Getting up early to watch the Bore
Watching Wendy curling your hair
Holding your Grandchildren with such care
Shopping is what you loved to do
And singing verses of ‘Skip to the Loo’
We remember you gardening in your Bra!
And mum trying to lift you onto your car
Caravan holidays and Pentewan Sands
Dancing on Wednesdays & holding hands
Jetting off to Benidorm
Chapel on Sundays, that was the norm
Nibbling at treats with a nudge and a wink
Flinging the dish cloth across the sink!
Thinking of you as we sit for a while
Picturing you here with your beautiful smile
Sixty nine years of marriage bliss
Nan, these are the things we will all miss
All of these memories & more we treasure
For Nan, you’re loved and remembered with pleasure
By Michelle King - Grandaughter
In loving memory of Violetta
Cooper
8th January 1923 - 15th November 2014