On Aug. 1, 1946, I was born in the hospital in Luverne, Minnesota, to John and Margaret (Moore) Cooney and joined my big brother, Judd. I attended Luverne Public School and graduated in 1964, the year Luverne won the Minnesota state basketball tournament. Upon graduation I attended the Minneapolis School of Art and Design and finished my art education at Mankato State University. I received my Bachelor in Art Education and later I added elementary education to my resumé.
While growing up in Luverne, I worked at the Blue Mounds State Park as a lifeguard and one summer traveled to Estes Park, Colorado, with relatives who had a cabin. I worked as a maid in a motel, which brought me to the realization that this was something I was not going to pursue.
After graduating from college, my first teaching job was in Ellsworth, Minnesota. I had a great teaching experience in this smaller school and the job in Ellsworth expanded to Magnolia. I then moved to Luverne where I expanded my love of teaching art to elementary and middle school students. I found teaching art to be my passion until my retirement in 2009.
My husband, David, and I were married on July 11, 1970, and enjoyed 52 years together. We loved to travel and spent a number of vacations in Estes Park. Our special travels included the fall colors in Vermont and New Hampshire and enjoying our 25th anniversary touring the coast of Maine, and a cruise to Alaska, followed by two vacations to Hawaii. Our marriage also brought us wonderful changes with the birth of our two children, Carrie and Mark. Mark left us too early but the addition of three grandchildren by Carrie and her husband Chad have been a true blessing that brightens up our lives.
I have been blessed by the experiences of my lifetime and the wonderful people I have met. I have especially enjoyed coffee every Wednesday with a group of wonderful ladies that share their stories, laughs, and friendship. I hope that I will be remembered for my love of art and my willingness to share it with others.
My greatest joy is my family that have supported me and been at my side through the good times and bad. Our two children, Carrie and Mark, were always very special and although Mark left us too early, he is always with us. Chad has been there for constant help and support along with Nathan, Connor, and Zachary, who have been a very special part of my life, and I hope they feel the same.
Surviving me are my husband, David; my daughter, Carrie, and her husband, Chad Overgaard; grandsons Nathan, Connor and Zachary Overgaard; and my brother, Judd Cooney of Castina, Iowa.
My parents and son, Mark, have preceded me in death.
A time of fellowship will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, April 27, at Dingmann Funeral Home in Luverne. A memorial Mass will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, April 28, at St. Catherine Catholic Church in Luverne.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to 2184 Legacy fund.
Arrangements are provided by Dingmann Funeral Home of Luverne, dingmannandsons.com.
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