Mary Gertrude Cooper (Lillis) of East Greenwich, Rhode Island, passed away on July 1. She was the daughter of the late Francis Ignatius Lillis and Elizabeth (Griffin) Lillis from County Clare, Ireland, and Jersey City, N.J. In her early career, she was a dedicated and caring pediatric nurse at Jersey City Medical Center. After marrying George N. Cooper Jr., M.D., Mary became mother of six children, to whom she devoted her life.

She was sister to Elizabeth Anne Ciolek (and husband Larry Ciolek) of Paramus, N.J., and the late Francis X. Lillis (and wife Joan Lillis) of Vienna, Va. Surviving her are six children: Cecilia Cooper of East Greenwich, Mary Clare Brandt (husband John Brandt) of Marlton, N.J., Maureen MacPhail (husband Douglas MacPhail) of East Longmeadow, Mass., George N. Cooper III (wife Lisa Cooper) of East Greenwich, Lorraine Hamilton (husband Neal Hamilton) of Plainville, Mass., and Roseann Ferri (husband Guy Ferri) of North Kingstown.

She was the adoring grandmother to nine grandchildren: Mia Elizabeth Cooper; John Joseph Brandt III; Kevin Griffin Brandt; Liam Neal Hamilton; Douglas Cooper MacPhail; George Mitchell MacPhail; Charles George Ferri; Louisa Maria Ferri; and, Griffin Gary Cooper.

Mary Cooper was beloved by those who knew her for her radiant smile, sense of humor, warmth, and compassion for everyone, especially children. She generously shared many gifts with her children and loved ones, the greatest of which was an unwavering faith in God’s love and grace. She was a member of Our Lady of Mercy Parish in East Greenwich. At the end of her life she was lovingly cared for by the many earthly angels at Saint Elizabeth’s Home in East Greenwich.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, July 7, at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Mercy Church, 65 Third St., East Greenwich. Burial will be private. Calling hours will be Sunday, July 6, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Hill Funeral Home, 822 Main St., East Greenwich. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Saint Elizabeth Home, One St. Elizabeth Way, East Greenwich, RI 02818, or Covenant House, 460 W 41st St., New York, NY 10036. You can visit the online obituary to leave and read condolences here.

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