Bernadine "Bernie" Jeanne Cooper

Granby- Bernadine J. "Bernie" (Selinsky) Cooper passed away September 12, 2024, with her children by her side. Born on March 3, 1945, in Forest City, PA, she was one of ten children to the late Stephen and Mary (Tursic) Selinsky. After graduating from Forest City High School, Bernie was dedicated to raising her children and managing her home. Several years later, she furthered her education and earned her associate's degree in nursing from Holyoke Community College. Bernie dedicated over 30 years of her life to serving others as a registered nurse at Baystate Hospital, making a lasting impact on her colleagues and patients. At home, Bernie's heart was filled with love for her family as a proud mom and Nonni. Bernie was immensely proud of her Polish and Slovenian heritage, sharing her culinary talents by making exceptional golumpki. A lover of New England sports, she enjoyed cheering for the Patriots and Red Sox, as well as watching golf with Buddy. Christmas was a special time for her, as she lavished her family with hand-wrapped gifts, creating memories that will be cherished forever.Bernie was preceded in death by her husband Whitford "Buddy" H. Cooper, her beloved twin sister Geraldine, and siblings Jean, Elizabeth, Tootsie, Maryanne, and Paul. She is survived by her son Bill Payne and his wife Eden and his children Olivia and Jorja, son John Payne and his daughter Kaitlyn, and daughter Deanne Payne and her children Faith and Ben. Her joy knew no bounds with the arrival of her great-grandchildren, Ellie and Summer. She also leaves behind her siblings Marge, Joe and Bobby, as well as many extended family members and dear friends. A visitation will be held at Beers and Story South Hadley Funeral Home on Thursday, September 19, 2024, from 10am-12pm, followed by a memorial service at 12pm. Burial will immediately follow in Notre Dame Cemetery in South Hadley. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Bernie's honor to the D'Amour Center for Cancer Care, https://secure2.convio.net/bayhf/site/Donation2;jsessionid=00000000.app295a?df_id=1682&mfc_pref=T&1682.donation=form1&NONCE_TOKEN=42DB0C70D4F85FE136F518619E41F931. Please select to direct your gift to the Baystate Regional Cancer Program.  Bernadine J. Cooper's life was a testament to the power of compassion, dedication, and family love. She will be deeply missed but remembered with a smile.