Martha (De Carlo) Cooper

FRANKFORT – Martha (De Carlo) Cooper, age 71, passed away peacefully in the comfort and dignity of her home on Monday, September 8, 2025. Born in Alberobello, Italy, on October 22, 1953, Martha was the daughter of the late Giovanni and Cosimina (Tramacera) De Carlo. At the age of 14, she immigrated to the United States with her family, eventually settling in Utica. She was a proud graduate of T.R. Proctor High School and continued her education by taking business courses at Herkimer County BOCES, where she proudly earned a certificate. Martha married Leon C. “Jake” Cooper on May 19, 1973. The couple shared 51 loving years together prior to Leon’s passing on August 14, 2024. Martha was primarily a devoted homemaker, but she also cherished her role at West Frankfort Elementary School, where she worked in cafeteria operations. At one time, she was also employed at A.C.S., where she processed loans. Her family was the light of her life and the center of her world. Martha was a devoted and loving mother, a woman of deep warmth and magnetic charisma. She had a heart that welcomed everyone — and a spirit that wasn’t afraid to speak the truth. Fiercely honest and refreshingly direct, she had a feisty disposition that made her both admired and unforgettable. With her unique way of expressing herself, she never sugarcoated her words — but those who knew her understood that every bit of honesty came from a place of love. Beneath her spirited nature was a nurturing soul, especially when it came to her grandchildren, for whom she had a boundless affection. They were the sparkle in her eye and the joy in her heart. In her earlier years, Martha enjoyed being a Girl Scout leader and made many lasting memories during that time. She was a talented cook—her lasagna, pastina soup, and mouthwatering beef stew were family favorites, always made with care. Martha took great pride in keeping a meticulous home, always scrubbing the floors on her hands and knees. She was especially fond of using bleach and ammonia, which she considered essential to a proper clean. Martha found great joy watching “The Golden Girls” and was very much a Sophia Petrillo herself—sharp-witted, outspoken, and full of charm. One of her biggest, proudest accomplishments was building her home with her husband. She often relived those memories, and they were able to create treasured moments there through shared sacrifices. They were a proud couple, never accepting handouts and sooner going without themselves to build a beautiful home and life for their family. Martha is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Divina M. and Bill Spellman. She treasured the memories of her children who preceded her, Jacob C. “Coop” Cooper (2013), and Jessica A. Cooper (2019). Martha is also survived by her beloved grandchildren, Dominique Spellman and Jordan Kane; Antonio Cooper, Jacob Cooper, Aianna Cooper, and Aviella Cooper, and their mother, Kourtney Cooper; and her siblings and their spouses, Pia and Vincent Brancaccio, and Vito and Juanita De Carlo. She fondly remembered her brothers who preceded her, Mario DeCarlo, Dominico “Dominick” De Carlo, and Cosmo and Evelyn De Carlo. She additionally cherished her sisters-in-law, Carmella De Carlo, and Michelle De Carlo; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins; goddaughter, Marlene Raleigh; in-laws, Jewell Kent (of the late Roger Kent), Ila Cooper, and Peter and Sharon Cooper; and dear friends, Denise Gleba, a lifelong friend who lovingly assisted with her care, from bathing her to helping her with household needs; Wanda Wooden, her closest friend since high school who continuously offered loving support; Joann Bronga, a lifelong friend who uplifted her with phone calls; Michelle Lopiccolo, a lifelong friend with whom she shared many treasured memories; and her late son Jacob’s best friend, Eric Cleveland, whom Martha considered a second son and who was always at their home. Martha was additionally predeceased by her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Leon F. and Evelyn (Withers) Cooper; in-laws, Joanne and Jack Wheeler, Joan and Robert Ward, and Lucy Cooper; nephews, Michael V. Brancaccio, and Michael DeCarlo; her friend, Barbara Anderson; and her beloved canine companion, Cooper. Gratitude is extended to Jenna and Bridgette from the ICU at Wynn Hospital for their care and compassion. The family will honor and commemorate Martha’s life privately. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave.

Martha (De Carlo) Cooper

October 22, 1953 - September 8, 2025