An “inspirational” community stalwart who rallied her town’s recovery efforts in the aftermath of the devastating Storm Frank has died.
Fiona Cooper was well-known throughout Kintore due to her widespread volunteer work, and as chairwoman of Kintore Community Council.
She set up a temporary headquarters in the then British Legion in Inverurie to assist those who had been affected by flooding in the town and Port Elphinstone in 2016.
Husband Derek Cooper, 58, said: “After the flooding a lot of people were left traumatised, and she created a space at the British Legion to allow people to come for a cuppa, or to distribute food or clothes from.
“Her personality was her main asset, she got people together and was very personable.
“She never looked for recognition.”
Her life revolved around community organisations and initiatives; she also helped organise a local foodbank and donated her time as secretary of charity Action Kintore.
The “wonderful and caring” mum died at Roxburghe Houseon Tuesday, October 8, which was her 56th birthday.
Her daughter, Kirsten Cooper, 17, said: “The doctors didn’t think she’d make it to the weekend, but she battled through until last Tuesday.
“Mum was an inspiration, anything she could see needed help, she’d be there.
“She kept very busy – she did a lot of work after the floods and I remember her work on the PTA when I was in primary and secondary school.
“She was selfless, that would be the best word to describe her. She’d do anything to help others.”
Mrs Cooper, originally from Edinburgh, moved to the north-east to attend college, where she met her future husband.
She was awarded the title of Citizen of the Year by the Rotary Club of Kintore, Kemnay and District this year and attended the ceremony despite her failing health.
It is hoped that members of the community can now be inspired to follow in her footsteps.
Kintore Community Council released a statement online saying that the town had “lost a tireless worker who balanced life as a wife and mother with thinking of others before herself”.
It added: “Our thoughts are with Fiona’s husband Derek and daughter Kirsten and we can only hope that knowing they are not alone in their loss, and that they have the love and support of our community, will provide them with some strength and fortitude.
“Thank you Fiona Cooper.
“Let your memory inspire us all to do what we can in our community to help someone.”
A celebration of Mrs Cooper’s life will be held in Thainstone House Hotel tomorrow at 1pm.
All friends are respectfully invited and attendes are encouraged to wear something bright and colourful.
Donations are welcome in aid of Friends of Roxburghe House.
