Longtime Lakeside resident Mary Elizabeth Andrews died at the Georgia home of her daughter on March 7 at the age of 84.
Andrews was born June 27, 1927 in Memphis, Tennessee, where she grew up. Shortly after graduation from South Side High School in Memphis, she married Joe W. Cooper and had four children.
A military family, the Coopers were stationed in Georgia, North Carolina, New Mexico, Texas, Germany, Hawaii and Okinawa.
In 1974, she married Foster James Andrews, a pilot with Western Airlines, stationed in Hawaii. Together they traveled to many places in the contiguous United States, as well as Alaska, Australia, New Zealand and Belize.
Andrews took up sailing while living in Hawaii, christening her boat “Proud Mary.” She moved to Ajijic in 1991 after her husband passed away in 1990 and lived there until 2011. Her sense of adventure never waned and she traveled extensively, exploring Mexico, Russia, Egypt, China and the Amazon. She was an avid Bridge player and enjoyed acting in several productions at Lakeside Little Theatre.
Andrews was a warm and giving mother and phenomenal grandmother. She loved her family and held them close to her heart. She was a true friend to everyone – always there to help when help was needed. She was an excellent cook, a skilled hostess, a creative decorator, a fashionable dresser, and she loved animals. She adored being with people and brightened the days of many with her positive attitude and dazzling smile.
Survivors include her children and their spouses, Phyllis and Jerry Nilo, Joe and Paula Cooper, Jenny and Geoff Clerk and Bob and Stephanie Cooper. She had eight grandchildren: JD Nilo, Elizabeth Porthero, Katherine Redd, Jason Cooper, Caryn Clancy, Ryan Cooper, Drea Cooper and Madison Cooper. Her five great-grandchildren are Joe Cooper, William Redd, Nicholas Redd, Emma Prothero and Alex Prothero.
She is also survived by her brother James Edward Hurd and her former husband Joe W. Cooper. She leaves behind many friends in Ajijic.
At her request no funeral arrangements are planned. A celebration of Andrews’ life will be set for a later date. In lieu of flowers, send donations to your favorite charities in her memory.