1926 – 2014

MACHIAS — Florence “Flo” Rolande Hooper, 87, died unexpectedly on Tuesday, Jan. 14, at a Machias hospital, with her loving family by her side.

She was born in Auburn on Dec. 2, 1926, the daughter of the late Alphonse and Albina (Prefontaine) Cote. As a member of the Maine Country Music Hall of Fame, Flo will be remembered for her musical talent, especially yodeling. She played alongside her husband, Gene, and daughter, Sharlene Hooper, entertaining crowds throughout New England and the Maritimes in a career that spanned more than 70 years. She also sang with the Old Time Radio Gang for 15 years and for 10 years, she ran the Country Duckling Store in Machias.

Flo loved cooking, sewing, watching old movies and especially spending time with her family. She was a very loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend.

She is survived by and will be sadly missed by her children, Joline Sprague, Sharlene Hooper, Wayne and wife, Jane, and Zita Wood and husband, Norman; three brothers, Leonard and wife, Rachel, Norman and wife, Monita, and Bert; sisters, Betty, Maggie and Lucille; special sisters-in-law, Emma and Eloise and her husband, Richard; nine grandchildren, Michelle, Nicole, Tanya, Monique, Kenny, Tina, Troy, Janelle and Shawn; 19 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren and one on the way; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her beloved husband of 61 years, Gene Hooper; a sister, Fern; and four brothers, Roger, Paul, Ivan and one as an infant.

Condolences and memories may be shared with the family by visiting www.mcclurefamilyfuneral.com.