Obituary: Laurel S. Cooney

March 8, 1921 - July 12, 2010

Laurel S. Cooney, a long-time Carson City resident, passed away on July 12, 2010, at Carson Tahoe Regional Medical Center at the age of 89. She was born on March 8, 1921, to Homer and Laura Biggs in Pagosa Springs, Colo. Laurel moved to Carson City in 1953. She married Clarence "Cap" Cooney in Virginia City, on Jan. 12, 1957.

Laurel worked as a bookkeeper for the State of Nevada and the Carson Medical Group. She loved to paint oil paintings for her family and friends. She enjoyed hunting, fishing, bowling and camping but her greatest love was her family and the family gatherings. For many years she was a sponsor and advocate for the Alcoholics Anonymous Association.

Laurel was preceded in death by her husband Cap in 1978, her parents Homer and Laura Biggs, and her brothers Dick Biggs and Homer (Bud) Biggs, grandson Kyle Cooney and great-granddaughter McKenzie Rackley. She is survived by her daughter Karen Rackley (Ira) of Carson City; son Glen Cooney (Jennie) of Stanwood, Wash.; granddaughters Sheri Dunn (Joel) of Carson City and Brandy Johnson (Casey) of Oak Harbor, Wash.; grandsons Tom Rackley (Jessie) of Roseville, Calif., and Jake Cooney of Stanwood; three great-grandchildren Kayla Jacobson (Matt), Kellen Rackley, and Zoey Johnson; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Laurel was a grand and beautiful mother, grandmother, aunt and friend. She was loved by all and will always be remembered for her humor, her wit and her caring for those fortunate to know her.

At Laurel's request, there will not be a memorial service. There will be a private family gathering in her honor.

Anyone wishing to donate in her memory may do so to the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association, or a charity of their choice. Arrangements entrusted to Walton's Chapel of the Valley, Carson City.