Kathleen "Kay" Ann Cooney

Kay was born on February 10, 1943, in St. Paul, MN. A proud graduate of St. Joseph’s Academy and Saint Cloud State University, she earned her degree in Education and transformed her lifelong love of learning into a devoted teaching career. Her work enriched the lives of countless children and inspired them to recognize their own potential. She especially treasured her years at Westwood Elementary School in Bloomington, where she served as a permanent substitute teacher in the Special Education department and where colleagues became dear friends.

Kay was a true friend to many, forming lifelong bonds wherever she went. She delighted in “Girls Weekends” up North and across the country, where laughter was always the soundtrack. She and Terry shared many memorable dinners and weekend getaways—camping, golfing, skiing, biking, and enjoying sun filled trips to Mexico with “the group.” In their later years, they found joy in dancing together and often made new friends while following local ’50s bands throughout the Twin Cities. Bridge was a steady thread in her life, and during her years at Amira in Bloomington she found a welcoming community through the game, along with new card games, card making, and the camaraderie of the culinary club.

Giving back and doing good for others was a creed she truly lived by. Always looking for ways to make the world a little better, she spent years volunteering at Caring & Sharing Hands in Minneapolis and at St. Edward’s Catholic Church. She helped build a Reading Room at her children’s elementary school, served lunch, taught religion classes, and was an active, contributing member of the PTA.

Kay was a devoted wife, an incredible mother, and an adoring grandmother. She loved nothing more than time spent with family, especially weekends at the cabin and cherished vacations together. Once they became empty nesters, she and Terry were blessed with wonderful travels around the world. She took great joy in attending her grandsons’ school and sporting events, always their biggest supporter. We will forever hold close her feisty Irish spirit, quick wit, sense of humor, and her unwavering love and support.

Kay was preceded in death by her loving husband of 57 years, Terry, parents, Domnic and Ella Calulfield; brothers John, Don, Tom, and Austin; and sisters Peggy and Eileen. Kay is survived by her children, Sara (Tom) Preimesberger of Woodbury, MN, and Brian (Kelly) Cooney of Minneapolis, MN, and grandsons—Will, Ryan, Connor, and Hudson.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, April 10 at 11:00 AM at St. Edward’s Catholic Catholic Church, 9401 Nesbitt Avenue S., Bloomington, MN, with visitation beginning at 10:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Play Laugh Love –The Team Tucker Association. See hyperlink under "Donations" below.