Jessica A. Cooper

NEW HARTFORD - Jessica A. Cooper, age 42, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, November 5, 2019 due to an existing heart condition, and is now reunited with those who went before her. Her loved ones were present through her very last moments. Born in Utica on October 12, 1977, Jessica was the daughter of Leon “Jake” and Martha (De Carlo) Cooper. She was educated in the Frankfort-Schuyler School District and graduated in 1995. She continued her education at St. John Fisher College where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in History in 1999. She then pursued post-graduate work at SUNY Oneonta where she was awarded a Master of Science degree in Education that enhanced her career. She went on to receive a CAS degree (Certificate of Advanced Study) in School Counseling in 2005. Jessica first reveled in her position as a recruiter for SUNY Morrisville. She subsequently began her vocation as a School Counselor for the Mount Markham Central School District at the Middle School. It was at this job that she met her fiancé, Christopher Falcone who is an 8th grade Social Studies teacher; they shared a passion for children, their ideologies of world affairs were synchronized, and they truly balanced one another. They had the real secrets to each other’s happiness, and they had a love that will last forever. It was her mission to assist in the complete wellbeing of each child, and she opened her heart and soul to achieving her goal. She was proactive in the life of each student, and her efforts were appreciated by many. She upheld the “golden rule” and would not tolerate straying from it. The students and teachers will miss their Miss Cooper who will not be there to help them navigate through middle school, but they will remember that she is watching over them in spirit. A most generous and gentle person, Jessica was blessed with a benevolent heart. She was trusting and saw the best in others, and her optimistic nature touched people in the most amazing ways. She had a strong moral compass that kept her aligned with her purpose and she made an everlasting impact on everyone in her life. Her philosophical side was balanced by her lighter side. She was funny, with an irresistible laugh, a broad smile, and an electrifying aura that lit up a room. As the middle child, she could “mix-it-up” with her siblings, yet treasure the memory of being inseparable. They were each other’s everything. Having been raised with house pets, when she was in her first home, she inherited a beastly cat named Pepe, one of the first of her many feline favorites, followed by her rescue cat, Archie. Neither of them was in the best health, but Jessica nurtured them back the best she could. For a bit over two years she and Chris were the proud parents of their fur babies ‘Sargent Pepper’ and ‘Penny Lane’, and they made their house a home. Jessica was a prolific reader, a pastime that began in her childhood when she would read Archie comics, and in her adulthood fiction hard cover was her focus; and you could almost visualize her reclined with a good book nestled by her felines. She also appreciated her artistic side when she participated in painting classes, doing arts & crafts, scrapbooking, and personalizing all-occasion cards to share with others. She challenged herself to participate in water yoga, found solace in long walks, and met her goals of running the “Mad Mile” with her friend Sarah, and the “Everyone Can Play” charity run. She also looked forward to “Lava Spa” girl days with her cherished niece, Dominique. She loved to dance and she chaperoned many dances at school with Chris where they were known to take to the floor amid their students. Jessica was proud of her Italian heritage and was instrumental in organizing the Italian festival in Frankfort. She supported the annual feast of Sts. Cosmas and Damian, and she walked in the pilgrimage parade in their honor. Jessica always loved to gather others together for a good cause whatever it may have been... Jessica and Chris loved Rock ’n Roll, and received great joy travelling to see bands, notably Paul McCartney who was an inspirational “savior”, The Rolling Stones, Pearl Jam, and Justin Timberlake. They also engaged in a lengthy visit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Ohio. Another exciting venture shared was their travels to nine different International League AAA baseball stadiums. Their favorite destinations were Newport, Rhode Island and Block Island. This past summer was a whirlwind of fun and travels, but the highlight was the proposal she received from Chris at the Florentine Cafe on July 31st … they were to be married on August 20, 2021. Left to carry on her smile and spirit are her parents, Jake and Martha; her fiancé, Chris; and her sister and brother-in-law, Divina M. and Bill Spellman. Not a moment went by that she didn’t miss her brother, Jacob C. “Coop” Cooper who passed away on July 2, 2013. She also leaves her sister-in-law, Kourtney Cooper. Although never blessed with children of her own, the space was filled with her nieces and nephews, Dominique Spellman; Antonio, Jacob, Aianna, and Aviella Cooper. She will be remembered by her aunts and uncles, her many cousins, with special mention of Nickolas Cooper for whom she held a brotherly love; and Chris’s mom, Patricia Falcone, and his sister, Julie Falcone. Jessica was favored with a wealth of friendships formed with longevity especially Ryan Fitzgerald, Morgan Belisle, and Sarah Brooks; and the legions of students and teachers who will remember her. She was predeceased by her paternal grandparents, Leon and Evelyn Cooper; and maternal grandparents, Giovanni and Cosimina De Carlo. At the time of her sudden ill health, the Faculty of the Mt. Markham School District worked so diligently attending to Jessica for which her family is so grateful. Visitation will be held Monday from 4:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Jessica’s funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Tuesday at 12:00 noon at St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered. Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery.

Jessica A. Cooper

October 12, 1977 - November 5, 2019