Inez Eleanor Koop

Inez Eleanor Koop died peacefully at home on Sept. 20, 2006, at the age of 92. Mary Logue, a close friend, was at her side. Inez was the daughter of Frank Delbert and Angerette (Alley) Gorsuch of Toledo, Ohio. Herworking parents live on the East Side of Toledo and she was partially reared by her beloved aunts, Mate and Ora, who encouraged her lifelong love of knowledge and education.She was graduated from Bowling Green University in 1936, majoring in English with a minor in history. She taught in Weston, Ohio, and in Olney, Ohio, for over five years. In 1942, Inez married Erich S. Koop of Amityville, New York. When Erich was drafted during World War II, she continued to teach in various communities usually proximal to where Erich was stationed. While he was still in the service, she returned to Toledo, acquired a master's degree in English and taught in both Garfield and in Libbey High Schools until Erich returned from overseas. She joined him in Amityville and continued to teach. Her son, Robert Koop, was born in 1947. Bob was a delight to his parents and the center of their lives for many happy years. He later became a nationally-acclaimed WIVB-TV anchorman in Buffalo, New York. Inez continued as a homemaker and teacher, and received another master's degree from Long Island University. In 1969, the family moved to Lovell, Maine, where Inez taught English for two years until she became librarian at the Lake Region High School. In 1979, after a 43-year career in teaching, she retired. She and her husband traveled widely abroad in retirement. Her son Bob's untimely death in 1995 from chronic myelogenous leukemia was the great tragedy of their lives. Sadly, in 2000, her husband, Erich, also passed on at an advanced age, leaving Inez alone with wonderful memories of their life together. She remained active and busy. In later years, Inez communicated with many of her former students from as far away as Ohio. She enjoyed sharing memories of her days in the sun. Inez was always loved, and respected by her students and those who knew her. She will be greatly missed by all. Inez is survived by her dear friend, Mary Logue; cousins Radm. George E. Gorsuch and Jute of Sylvania, Ohio, Geoffrey Gorsuch of Springville, New York, and Albert Ward and Barbara of Timberlake, Ohio; brother-in-law Andy Koop and Margarete; and many other relatives of both Inez and Erich throughout the United States. Arrangements are with Wood Funeral Home, Fryeburg.