1941-2026
Patricia Cooper Maxon, 84, of Sterling, NY, passed away on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at Huntington Living Center in Waterloo following a brief illness.
Born December 10, 1941, in Liverpool, she was the daughter of the late Manford and Eleanor (Ames) Lehne. As a child, her family moved to Sterling, where she spent most of her life.
In 1963, Patricia married Clarence “Coop” Cooper. The couple remained in Sterling, raising their two sons while operating the family’s sawmill business in Fair Haven, Lichenheim Cooperage. In later years, she developed Springbrook Golf Course on the family farm. Patricia was also a talented artist who enjoyed painting portraits of friends, family, and members of her community.
She was predeceased by her husbands, Clarence Cooper and Fred Maxon; her brother, Manford Lehne; her son, Steven Cooper Sr.; and her grandson, Steven Cooper Jr.
Patricia is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Curtis and Lisa Cooper of Sterling; granddaughter Jennifer Cooper of Austin, Texas; grandson Cameron (Caitlin) Cooper of Sterling; great-grandchildren Caroline and Kayce Cooper; siblings Priscilla “Nikki” (Ron) Kittren and Peter (Brenda) Lehne; along with several nieces and nephews.
In accordance with her wishes, there will be no calling hours or funeral service. Burial will be private.
Arrangements are under the care of Sugar Funeral Home Inc., Fulton
