- Monica Cooney, 97, died peacefully on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2009, at Heritage Woods Assisted Living. Monica was born in Appleton on Aug. 22, 1912, the daughter of the late Dr. Edward W. and Frances R. Cooney. She graduated from Lawrence College in 1934 and spent her life as a highly respected artist and teacher in Appleton.
At Lawrence, she majored in modern languages, with little thought that the field of art would become her life's work. Following graduation from Lawrence, Monica took a job as an English teacher at Wilson Junior High. Shortly thereafter, she was asked to teach art, a subject she grew to both love and live. Monica often joked that her modest art education at Lawrence consisted of a course called Home Planning and Art Education! Nevertheless, Monica's love of art subsequently led to a master's degree in art education from the University of Wisconsin and she became well known both for her enthusiasm as a teacher, and talent as an artist. Monica's works, particularly her woodcuts, have been exhibited at the Bergstrom Art Center in Neenah and throughout the state.
After teaching Art and English at Wilson Junior High for seventeen years, Monica became Coordinator of Art Education for the Appleton Public Schools. She retired in 1977.
Monica is survived by her nephew, Philip (Bonnie) Schlichting, Naples, Fla.; niece, Janet Jaekel, Orland Park, Ill., and relatives, Dr. Timothy (Joan) Flaherty, Neenah, Wis.: Jane (Nick) Grubnich, Northbrook, Ill., Catherine (Tom) Newman, Cedarburg, Wis.; Timothy Haines, Cudahy, Wis.; Thomas Rooney, Middleton, Wis., and George Rooney, Yacapa, Calif. She was preceded in death by her sister, Kathleen Schlichting, and a nephew, Henry Schlichting.
The family wishes to extend its gratitude to Father Michael O'Rourke, Sister Joanne, and members of St. Mary Catholic Church, Monica's parish throughout her 97 year life. Appreciation is also extended to the many wonderful caregivers at Heritage Woods Assisted Living, and at Cherry Meadows Hospice in Appleton. Finally, thanks is extended to Darlene Jeske, a former caregiver, for the many good things she did and the happy times she provided for Monica.
A mass celebrating Monica's life will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 11, 2009, at St. Mary Catholic Church, 312 S. State Street, Appleton. A gathering of family and friends will be held from 10 a.m. until the hour of mass. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to St, Mary Catholic Church in Appleton.
Monica will be remembered as a kind person of faith and conviction, who, as an artist and educator, enlightened and brightened the lives of many students in the Appleton Public Schools for more than forty years.
VALLEY FUNERAL HOME
2211 N. Richmond Street
Appleton, WI 54911
920-733-5435
www.valleyfh.com
"Serving as would
be Served"
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1912 - 2009 (97 years)
Education - High School
