Obituary of Mary Teresa Cooney

MARY TERESA COONEY Colonie - Mary Teresa Cooney of Colonie, beloved wife of the late Francis M. Cooney, peacefully entered into eternal life on Thursday, June 6, 2013 at Samaritan Hospital in Troy with her loving family at her side. Born in Troy on September 17, 1926, she was the daughter of the late John J. and Catherine A. (Foster) Hardiman. Mary graduated from Catholic Central High School in Troy and attended the Mildred Elley School of Business in Albany. She was employed during her career by New York Telephone Company, Troy Savings Bank and Rensselaer County in Troy serving in clerical, administrative and managerial positions. Mary was a former Eucharistic Minister at St. Patrick's Church in Troy and she was a member of the Altar Rosary Society at Our Lady of the Assumption Church in Latham. She enjoyed traveling with her family on trips to Europe, Africa, Asia and around the USA. She played bocce with surprising skill and she was an active member of AARP. Mary is survived by her loving children: John (Deborah) Cooney of Indianapolis, IN, Colleen (Dr. Paul) Maluso of Orlando, FL, William (Karen) Cooney of Shanghai, China, Dr. Brendan (Robin) Cooney of North Greenbush, Erin (Edward) Farron of Latham, Eileen (Robert) Martino of Latham and Dr. Michael (Dr. Srilaxmi) Cooney of New York City as well as her 23 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister Eileen (the late Frank) John of Latham and her niece Eileen Maikels and her nephews William (Jean) John, Robert John and Thomas (Faith) John. She is predeceased by her brother, the Reverend John J. Hardiman. Throughout her life, Mary's quiet dignity and humility touched the lives of so very many people. She possessed an inner strength and sense of conviction, which together with her unshakable Catholic faith, sustained her through the many difficulties and challenges life presented. She has been a source of strength and inspiration to her family and all who knew her. She taught us that by taking joy and pleasure in the little things in life, the big things will fall into place. She leaves an enduring legacy in her seven children and all of her grandchildren and has provided an unparalleled example of a great life, well lived. "We Love You, Ma!" Relatives and friends are invited and may call on Sunday June 9, 2013 from 2-6 PM at Dufresne & Cavanaugh Funeral Home, 149 Old Loudon Road, Latham. Her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday June 10, 2013 at 10:00 AM at Historic St. Mary's Church located at Lodge and Pine Streets, Albany with the Reverend John Tallman officiating Interment will take place in St. Peter's Cemetery, Troy. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, 1 Computer Drive South, Suite 104 Albany, NY 12205 For directions, information or to light a memory candle for the family, please visit www.dufresneandcavanaugh.com.