Mary Ann (Donovan) Cooper
July 6, 1950 ~ October 27, 2026
Age 76 of Forest Lake. Loving Mom, Grandma, Sister, and Aunt passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on October 27, 2026.
Mary Ann was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 55 years, Mike, and her parents, Leo and Helen Donovan. She is survived by her children, Derek (Rachel) Cooper, Megan (Corey) Peterson, Erin (Corey) Morning; her grandchildren, Doran Cooper, Shea Peterson, Josie Cooper, and Evan Peterson; siblings, Mick Donovan (Jill) and Jane Johnson; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Mary Ann, the oldest of three children, was born and raised in Forest Lake, where she developed a lifelong love for her family, her community, and her Irish heritage. She was a member of the first graduating class of St. Peter’s Catholic School, where she attended through eighth grade. She continued her education at Derham Hall before graduating from Forest Lake High School. The summer following graduation, Mary Ann was honored with the title of Miss Congeniality in the Miss Forest Lake Pageant, a reflection of the warmth and kindness that would remain a part of who she was throughout her life.
Mary Ann adored her childhood memories of growing up on the lake. With her Irish spirit and a trusty hairbrush, she made sure her brother, Mick, stayed in line! Some of her fondest memories were of Sunday family picnics and wintertime outdoor adventures shared with her sister, Jane, and the neighborhood children. While raising her family, Mary Ann earned her nursing degree alongside a wonderful group of women who became lifelong friends. She went on to dedicate more than 20 years to caring for others at Parmly Nursing Home in Chisago City. Her giving spirit extended beyond her profession, as she volunteered countless hours with the Forest Lake Ladies Auxiliary and St. Peters Catholic Church. Mary Ann was always her children’s biggest cheerleader, proudly supporting Derek, Megan and Erin in their athletic pursuits. In more recent years, nothing brought her greater joy than watching her grandchildren succeed in school, and participate in the activities they loved. Above all, Mary Ann treasured time with family and friends. She loved hosting family holidays, knitting and crocheting, and most importantly, caring for anyone in need. Her bright smile, infectious laugh, and unwavering love touched countless lives and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
Visitation 3-5 PM Sunday, November 8th at Roberts Family Funeral Home, Forest Lake. Mass of Christian Burial 11 AM Monday, November 9th with visitation beginning at 10 AM at the Church of Saint Peter, Forest Lake. Interment, Calvary Cemetery. Memorials are preferred to the family, and donations will be given to Mary Ann’s favorite charitable organizations. The family extends a heartfelt thank you to the wonderful staff at Amira Choice – Forest Lake and Ecumen Hospice for all their compassionate care and support.
Services
Visitation: Sunday, November 8, 2026 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Roberts Family Funeral Home
555 Centennial Drive SW
Forest Lake, MN 55025
(651) 464-4422
www.robertsfamilyfh.com
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America/Chicago
2026-11-08 15:00:00
2026-11-08 05:00:00
Mary Ann(Donovan)CooperVisitation
Visitation
555 Centennial Drive SW ,Forest Lake, MN 55025
Visitation: Monday, November 9, 2026 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Church of Saint Peter
1250 South Shore Drive
Forest Lake, MN 55025
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America/Chicago
2026-11-09 10:00:00
2026-11-09 11:00:00
Mary Ann(Donovan)CooperVisitation
Visitation
1250 South Shore Drive,Forest Lake, MN 55025
Mass of Christian Burial: Monday, November 9, 2026 11:00 am
Church of Saint Peter
1250 South Shore Drive
Forest Lake, MN 55025
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America/Chicago
2026-11-09 11:00:00
2026-11-09 11:00:00
Mary Ann(Donovan)CooperMass of Christian Burial
Mass of Christian Burial
1250 South Shore Drive,Forest Lake, MN 55025
That work carried her to mission work
using her natural gift as the Lord’s
servant!
Her “ light” was always bright and her soul kind and warm!
Maryann has a “new mission” now in Heaven!