Barbara Cooper

Barbara Joan McCleary Cooper, 75, a resident of Slidell, Louisiana, passed away on November 21, 2016.  She graduated from Natchitoches High School and Northwestern State College with a bachelor’s degree. Her love of children led her to a 20-year teaching career as an elementary school teacher at Florida Elementary School and Bonne Ecole Elementary School in St. Tammany Parish. She was once awarded the honor of Teacher of the Year.  She is preceded in death by the late Robert J. Cooper and her daughter Julie Ann Book. Joan is survived by her daughters Tina E. Book, Kimberly B. Donna and Margaret M. Book, her son David M. Book and wife Gay, three sisters Patricia Beverly and husband Hoy, Mary Sartalamacchia and husband Anthony (A.J.) and the late Charlotte McCleary Slade.  She is survived by four grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews that she adored. Joan was an avid learner. She shared her knowledge of reading books, storytelling, scrapbooking and art with children, family and friends throughout her life. He will be remembered as a strong woman by her family and friends, including her newest friends at Summerfield Assisted Living who were so fond of her fun, free-spirit and her peace and joy. We are most appreciative of the support of her family and friends throughout the years. Joan’s favorite quote from the poem “Footprints in the Sand”…

The Lord replied, “The years when you have seen only one set of footprints, my child, is when I carried you”

expresses her deep faith and love in God that she extended to all of us. To Moma with love, MAY YOU REST IN PEACE!  A private memorial service will be held by family at a later date.