CLEARLAKE, Calif. — Janice Ellen Cooper, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and teacher, passed away peacefully on Oct. 9, 2025, in Clearlake, California.

She was born on May 22, 1947, in Nevada City, California, to Jack and Jeanette Barbara (Halpin) Jones, who adored their only child beyond measure.

When Janice was a young girl, her parents moved to South San Francisco, where she grew up surrounded by love, laughter, and the values of hard work and education that her parents cherished. 

Jack, who had left high school early to serve during World War II, and Jeanette, who grew up on a Nebraska farm, made sure their daughter had every opportunity they could provide. Their support, effort and devotion inspired Janice to attend the University of the Pacific, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree and began her lifelong journey of helping others.

Janice met the love of her life, Mark Allen Cooper, when they were just 16 years old and students at South San Francisco High School. Mark always said that the first time he saw her blonde hair across campus, he knew she was the one. The two were married in 1969 and shared more than five decades of love, laughter and partnership.

After college, Janice began her career as a speech therapist, helping children find their voices while Mark attended dental school. Once his training was complete, the couple settled in Clearlake, California, where Mark opened his dental practice and Janice continued her work supporting children as the first speech therapist at Konocti Unified School District. 

She later transitioned to teaching, spending many rewarding years with the Konocti Unified School District. She touched countless lives through her kindness, dedication, and belief in every child’s potential.

Janice retired from teaching in 2002, and she and Mark began a new chapter together, traveling the world and savoring the life they had built side by side. Their adventures took them across all seven continents, living life fully and on their own terms.

Janice moved from motherhood to her favorite role of all, grandmother. She cared for each of her grandchildren with endless love, humor and remarkable patience. Whether it was rocking a baby to sleep, cheering from the sidelines or offering quiet encouragement, she made each grandchild feel uniquely cherished.

Janice is survived by her husband of 56 years, Dr. Mark Cooper of Clearlake. When they married, Mark promised to hold her hand for the rest of her life, a promise he kept faithfully, holding her hand as she took her final breath.

She is also survived by her children and grandchildren, who were the pride and joy of her life:

• Son, Benjamin Cooper of Discovery Bay, California, his wife Malena, and their children Miles and Emma.
• Son, Brian Cooper of Fremont, California, his wife Carmen, and their children Skylar and Cayleigh.
• Daughter Jacqueline Snyder of Clearlake, California, her husband Martin and their daughter Kerrington.

Janice will be remembered for her warmth, intelligence, humor and boundless love for her family. Her legacy lives on in her children, grandchildren, and in all the lives she touched with her grace, generosity and unwavering spirit.

Services: A viewing for Janice will be held on Friday, Oct. 17, from noon to 7 p.m. at Queen of Peace Catholic Church at 14435 Uhl Ave., Clearlake. Eulogies and a rosary will take place between 5 and 7 p.m. that evening.

A funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, Oct. 18, at 11 a.m. at Queen of Peace Church in Clearlake, followed by burial at Lower Lake Cemetery.

All are welcome to attend and celebrate Janice’s life.