Hundreds of people have worked for Cooper’s in the firm’s 110-year existence. Other than members of the Cooper family, five employees, all women, have worked at Cooper’s for more than 40 years. Mrs. Monica Cann Mrs. Cann started work as one of a team of packers at Cooper’s in 1954 and worked at the store until her retirement in 1999, by which time Bermuda was a different place altogether. Mrs. Cann became a Bermuda fixture, one of the Island’s best-known and most highly respected sales assistants and image ambassadors.

She was one of the first blacks to work “in the front”, meeting the public, on Front Street. The crystal and china counters were her favourites.

Mrs. Barbara Gee Mrs. Gee joined Cooper’s in 1950 as an executive secretary to many of the Cooper family who worked at the store. In time, she filled the secretarial role for Sir Gilbert and Arthur Cooper, for Edmund and for Peter.

Her duties, however, went beyond those suggested by her title.

She worked as an assistant to the controller, was pay cashier and “in her own way, acted as social secretary for visiting representatives from overseas firms”.

Mrs. Betty Perry Mrs. Perry joined Cooper’s on October 19, 1960, to help her family. Her first job was cleaning silver, which is hard work. Because she spoke Portuguese and would therefore be able to serve that sector of the Bermuda community, Mrs. Perry was offered an opportunity to join Cooper’s china department, where she has worked ever since.

She remembers A.S. Cooper himself reviewing the department, a flower in his lapel. In her time, Mrs. Perry has seen three Cooper’s buildings on Front Street and two major fires in the company’s warehouses.

Mrs. Dorothy Petty Mrs. Petty joined Cooper’s in 1951. She was initially hired as a cashier at Reid Street and later moved to ladies’ sportswear.

In 1963, she joined the firm’s bridal registry, where she has helped generations of Bermudians select the dinnerware, crystal and silver.

She would register the couple, show them and discuss the various lines Cooper’s carried, and relieve a little of the pressure of the impending wedding. In her years with Cooper’s, Mrs. Petty advised more than a thousand couples.

Ms Karen Wilson Ms Wilson has been with Cooper’s more than 40 years. She joined as the personal assistant to the financial controller.

Like many Cooper’s employees, Ms. Wilson has worked in various areas within the company.

Subsequently, she became personal assistant to the deputy managing director and the merchandise manager, and took on the added responsibility of fielding overseas customer enquiries. In 1982, she transferred to the accounts department as senior clerk, shortly thereafter becoming payroll and accounting administrator.