Marie C. Smith

Marie C. Smith, lovingly known as “G Ma”, “Gramma Ri”, “Mummy”, and “Big Sis”, went home to heaven to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, December 9, 2025. All who knew and loved her grieve her passing deeply, yet find comfort in knowing she has found eternal peace.

Marie was born on June 1, 1942 in Johnstown, PA to John and Anna (Ambrovcik) Dovala. She graduated from Johnstown high school and in 1963, married Donald E. Cooper, Sr. of Reynoldsdale, the first love of her life. Together they began their married life in New York City, where Don was stationed while serving in the United States Army. Marie later returned to Bedford County, where she devoted herself fully to raising her family. Marie was blessed to find love twice in her lifetime and shared many meaningful years after marrying the late Philip Smith of Altoona on May 3, 1997.

Marie was the proud mother of three children: the late Christopher Cooper, Donald Cooper Jr., and Theresa (Cooper) Miles. Being a mother brought Marie immeasurable pride and joy, and she carried that same devotion into every role she held in life.

Marie’s life was defined by service to others. She had a natural instinct to care, help, and give, especially to the elderly and those in need. Throughout her career in healthcare, most recently as a medical office manager in Everett, PA, Marie found deep fulfillment in being of service. She was also an EMT for many years with the Chestnut Ridge Ambulance Association and a faithful parishioner of St. Thomas Catholic Church. She was active in the Catholic Daughters, where she formed lifelong friendships rooted in faith, service, and love.

Marie has been a constant presence in the lives of her grandchildren providing everything possible to be by their side throughout her time here. Her grandchildren were her heart, and her life revolved around ensuring they felt supported, loved, and celebrated every single day. She was as consistent with her grandchildren as the sun was to rise in the mornings earning her the highest title of “G-Ma”. Her grandchildren will carry her kindness, love, and devotion to others with them throughout the rest of their lives and generations to come.

She will be deeply missed by those who carry her love forward: her son Donald E. Cooper Jr. and wife Michele; her daughter Theresa (Cooper) Miles and husband Brandon; her beloved grandsons: Andrew and Zachary Miles and Clayton and Carson Cooper; and her siblings: Richard Dovala and wife Valeria, and David Dovala. She was preceded in death by her brother, John Dovala.

A lifelong lover of animals who once dreamed of becoming a veterinarian, Marie’s compassion extended to every living creature. In her honor, the family welcomes memorial donations to The Bedford County Humane Society, 182 Bohn Road, Bedford, PA 15522, reflecting the kindness and care she showed throughout her life.

Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, December 15, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the St. Thomas Catholic Church in Bedford, with Father Richard Tomkosky, Celebrant. Burial at Bedford County Memorial Park. Friends will be received on Sunday, December 14, 2025 from 2 – 5 p.m. at the Timothy A. Berkebile Funeral Home in Bedford. Our online guest book is available at www.berkebilefuneralhome.com.