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Suzanne Cooley Obituary
Suzanne Cooley
TEQUESTA, FL/FORMERLY OF HAMMOND, IN - Suzanne Cooley, age 85, previously of Hammond, passed away peacefully on August 28, 2019 in Tequesta, FL. She was born July 23, 1934 in Portsmouth, OH. Suzanne was preceded in death by her husband David Cooley, her parents Henry Clay Johnson and Ruby Cryer Johnson and her brother, David Johnson. Suzanne is survived by her three children, Tracy Cooley(Ona) of Gary, IN, Mark Cooley of Castle Rock, CO and Jane Flagler(William) of Tequestra, FL and her three grandchildren, Anna Cooley, Elizabeth Flagler and David Flagler. Suzanne attended Ohio State University where she met her husband David and earned a degree in Dental Hygiene.
Suzanne's family moved ten times before she graduated high school due to her father's job as a Steelworkers Union organizer in mills along the Ohio River. Her mother taught elementary school. Suzanne attributed her outgoing personality to these many moves, saying "that is how I got noticed"! She loved to talk of her days on the Columbus East High School Dance Team and their weekly live television show hosted by Jonathon Winters. She also starred on the Columbus City Championship winning girls basketball team.
Suzanne was a tireless activist and volunteer. She was one of a group of people who revived the Northern Indiana Art Association (now known as South Shore Arts) in downtown Hammond in the the late 60's and served as it's president. The League of Women Voters was one of her passions at a time when women were struggling to find their political voice and she continued her involvement throughout her life. She was president of the Porter Elementary School PTA, an active member of the Tri-Kappa charitable sorority and chairman of Volunteers of Red Cross. As an active member of the Woodmar United Methodist Church she taught Sunday school and was instrumental in starting a PFLAG group which continues to help the LGBTQ community to this day.
Suzanne's commitment to political involvement and speaking her mind were characteristics for which she will most be remembered. She never shied away from issues involving women's rights, the Peace movement, LGBTQ rights or the environment. There will never be another one like her and she will be missed by many in the Calumet Region.
\A memorial gathering will be held in conjunction with the awards ceremony for the Salon Show in the Gallery at The Center for the Performing Arts, Munster, IN from Noon to 3:00 p.m. on Sunday September 22, 2019. John Cain will be presenting the Suzanne Cooley Award of Excellence at 1:30 p.m. Please join her family and friends for food, drinks and memories of Suzanne. Memorial contributions may be sent in Suzanne's name to South Shore Arts.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Suzanne Cooley
Pat (Bonnema) Wilmore
October 5, 2019
Dear Suzanne,
What an inspiration you & Doc have been to me, & so many other people! I will always remember your intelligence, strong spirit, & passion for peace & social justice, So many fond memories... you definitely left this world a better place because you were here. I am so sorry that I didn't attend your Celebration of Life Service, as my husband Richard & I were in MI. on September 22nd. I didn't know about it, & I just recently learned from a friend that your obituary was posted. My sincere condolences to Jane, Tracy, Mark, & to all her family and friends. I will always hold a special place in my heart for the Cooley's. I would say R.I.P. Suzanne, but I imagine your spirit is an Angel activist & Heavens Good Will Ambassador. God Bless you & Doc Dave.
Sincere condolences to Mrs. Cooley's family. I am thinking of you all and sending hugs.. I found this picture just last week in my mom's house.
Amy Netz (Olson)
September 21, 2019
Mark Tharp
September 20, 2019
Very sorry to learn of Mrs. Cooley's passing. She was one of my favorite Sunday School teachers at Woodmar United Methodist. R.I.P. Mrs. Cooley
Carla Carstensen Burson Burson
September 20, 2019
I baby sat for the boys on Olcott. Then I worked at the Woodmar Animal Hospital. After high school and Sat. AM .What memories. My sadness to all.
Carla Carstensen Burson
September 20, 2019
I,too, baby sat for the boys on Olcott. In addition I worked for dad at the Woodmar Animal Hospital after high school three nights a week and Sat. Ams.after work I would order a pizza and he would take me home on Magoun. Love and sadness from My heart.
JoEllen Sudac
September 19, 2019
Jane, Tracey and Mark - my condolences are with all three of you....your parents were one of a kind, they will be missed by our family and others....I am glad we saw her and the rest of you guys at Dave's memorial, my prayers are with you.....I will think of her always
Joe and Pam Tarpey
September 19, 2019
Jane, Bill, Elizabeth, David and family -
We are so sorry to hear about your mom's passing. I hope you take comfort in knowing that you were always there for her. Our deepest condolences to you and your family. May she rest in peace.
September 18, 2019
Tracy and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you all on the passing of your mom. I remember her from the days at Gavit and how active she was politically. May she rest in peace.
Scott Sefton
Sandy Turmail
September 18, 2019
Sue, you will be missed. I enjoyed working with you at the Art Center. You were always a leader in every aspect of your life.
Pam Negovetich
September 18, 2019
I'm saddened to see of Mrs. Cooley's death. I have so many wonderful memories of "Olcott Ave." babysitting. Tracy, Mark, and Jane, I am so very sorry that I cannot be with you at this time. Thoughts, prayers, and love are with you.
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