CAPE ELIZABETH – Dr. Thomas Llewellyn Cooper, 58, passed away peacefully in his sleep Dec. 7, 2007, with his family by his side, at Maine Medical Center. Dr. Cooper, the eldest of four, was born Feb. 24, 1949, in Boston, to Dr. Llewellyn and Pauline Cooper. In 1956, the family relocated to Bar Harbor, where he spent the remainder of his childhood years. After graduation from Bar Harbor High School as a star football player, he proceeded to Dartmouth College to attain a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology. Tom explored a brief career in the insurance industry before pursuing a medical degree at Tufts University. He then completed the OB/GYN residency program at Maine Medical Center, where he remained as a well-respected and much-loved physician for 27 years. Tom loved his profession as it gave him the opportunity to serve his community by being an advocate for women’s health, as well as playing an integral role in the family birthing process. In 1970, Tom married the love of his life, Carlene Diane Howe. They were blessed with two children, Brooke and Brett Thomas Cooper, both of Portland. Tom’s quick wit, immense knowledge and uncanny sense of humor proved the perfect combination to put everyone around him at ease and keep people laughing. Tom and Carlene loved cruising the coast of Maine, snowmobiling, downhill skiing, white water rafting, and most of all, relaxing and hosting family gatherings at their summer home on Panther Pond. He was an avid airplane pilot, powered paraglider, fisherman and he loved being called upon for his handyman skills. Tom was predeceased by his mother, Pauline MacMackin Cooper; father-in-law, Clifford Rollins Howe; and niece, Lorin Elizabeth Cooper. Tom will be greatly missed by his family, friends, professional colleagues and patients. He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Carlene; father, Dr. Llewellyn Cooper; mother-in-law, Thelma Howe; siblings, Robert and wife, Alice, James and wife, Marva, and JoAnn and husband, Clifford Sawyer; sister-in-law, Suzanne and husband, David Farnham; daughter, Brooke; son, Brett and fianc?e, Sarah Neal; nieces and nephews, Christian, Benjamin, Brenton, Kaitlyn, Andy and Meredith. He will also be dearly missed by his favorite playmate and only granddaughter, Olivia Lorin Cooper. The family wishes to thank everyone for their prayers and support throughout the last two and a half years. A celebration of Tom’s life will be held 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 15, at First Congregational Church, 301 Cottage Road, South Portland, with a reception afterward. A private family interment will take place at a later date in Bar Harbor. Arrangements by Hobbs Funeral Home, 230 Cottage Road, South Portland. If desired, donations may be made to Dr. Thomas Cooper Memorial Fund, at the new Maine Medical Center Women’s and Infant’s Building, care of MMC Development Office, 22 Bramhall St., Portland, ME 04102.
DR. THOMAS LLEWELLYN COOPER
