Otillia H. Cooper's Obituary
Otillia H. Cooper
May 24, 1916 – May 17, 2016
Resident of Oakland
To many she was known as “Tillie”and she passed away peacefully on May 17, 2016 she was 99 years old, one week shy of reaching 100. She was born to James and Anna Hain in Chicago, Illinois and grew up on a farm near Niles, Michigan and then later moved to Chicago, Illinois. Her highest level of education was 2 years of college. She held various positions as a factory work, waitress, and worked at the Oakland Public Schools. She owned and operated a store/coffee shop outside Chico, California. She also cared for the elderly as a caregiver.
Later she married Edwin Vodak in Chicago, Illinois in 1941 and moved to California. Her husband was a merchant marine and he traveled in the Pacific, she moved to various cities in Southern California. Her
husband died in 1966. She married Jack Cooper in 1967 and then moved to Oakland in 1968.
She was a very loving Mother to four children: Dr. Edwin Vodak, Bruce Vodak (deceased), Dennis Vodak, and Linda Tabisaura.
Grandchildren: Kim Myers, Scott Vodak, Carrie McDonagh, Mark and Michael Vodak.
Greatgrandchildren: Melissa Kane, Taylor Jackson, Relle and Emma McDonagh and Zach McDonagh.
She was asked many times what was her secret to longivety. She said she lead a clean life, do everything in moderation. She was a very caring person with a positive attitude and a sense of humor everyone she knew and met was drawn to her. Additionally, she was very active in her ministry as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses for over 60 years. Also, what kept her young was walking door to door and sharing the goodnews from the Bible with her neighbors. She studied the Bible with many people sharing a good hope for the future which brought much happiness to many people. She sold Avon up to the time of her death which contributed to her mental and physical health. She has touched the lives of many family and friends and will be dearly missed.
Friends and family are invited to attend the memorial service on Saturday June 25, 2016 at 2:00 pm at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses located at 4045 Lyon Avenue, Oakland, CA
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