Berdella Cooper

Berdella Cooper, age 92, was welcomed into the loving arms of Jesus on February 21, 2026. Berdella was born in 1933 to Mary and Bert Brink of Holland, Michigan. She was raised, along with her twelve siblings, on a farm where she learned many skills, the value of hard work, and above all faith in God. 

Edward and Berdella met at the old Calvin Campus on Franklin Street during their college years. They married on August 25, 1956 at the Hope College Chapel in Holland. They soon returned to Clifton, NJ and it was there that they raised their five children. During the early years of marriage and raising small children, Berdella worked nights as a Licensed Practical Nurse at Passaic General Hospital. She returned to school to complete her degree at William Paterson College and became an elementary school teacher. She was a beloved teacher for the Eastern Christian Schools for 25 years. 

Berdella was loving, kind, hard working, creative, and had the gift of hospitality. She had an amazing disposition that remained strong in faith and positive despite any opposition. She loved others selflessly and brought good cheer and a smile wherever she went. She was a wonderful wife during her 68 year marriage, and a devoted mother and grandmother. 

She is survived by her 5 children Samuel (Leanne) Cooper, Douglas (Joanne) Cooper, Gregory (Amy) Cooper, Pamela Van Eck, and Lisa (Jeffrey) Donat; 23 grandchildren; 27 great grandchildren and her sister-in-laws Joanne (Sam) Cooper and Alice (Nick) Cooper. Also, by siblings Andy, Nate (Marilyn), Marjorie, Gloria, June, and Pearl (Stan). 

Berdella is now joined in Glory with her beloved husband Edward, her son Jonathan, her parents, her siblings Ervin, Herb, Willard, Jerry, Ann Lucille and Carolyn, Ed's parents, and his 9 siblings. 

Berdella was laid to rest, next to her husband Edward, at Fort Custer Cemetery in Battle Creek, Michigan.