Jeani Ellen Cooney

Jeani Cooney of Monterey passed away peacefully on September 1 after a lengthy and valiant struggle with cancer. Jeani was born on May 9, 1950 in Carmel. She graduated from Carmel High School, attended the University of Santa Clara and spent two semesters aboard ship with the World Campus Afloat. She returned to live in Carmel and later in Monterey.

Jeani is survived by her son, Ian Cooney, and his wife, Cassie, of San Francisco; her daughter, Bryn Stafford, and her husband, Patrick, of Monterey; her adored grandsons, Callan Cooney and Remy Stafford; her mother, Emily Hudelson, of Carmel and her brother, Jeff Hudelson, of Courtenay, British Columbia. She was predeceased by her husband, Brian Cooney, and her father, John Hudelson.

She worked for the City of Carmel and for many years with Monterey Peninsula Artists, which later became Paradigm. She served on the Parks and Recreation Commission for the city of Monterey and on the Board of the White Rock Club in Carmel Valley.

Jeani was a truly extraordinary mother and her children and grandchildren were her greatest source of joy. She was an accomplished baker, known for the special birthday cakes she made throughout the years for friends and family. She was a life-long fan of the San Francisco Giants and loved spending time at the family’s cabin at White Rock in Carmel Valley. Jeani will be deeply missed by her family, many friends and co-workers.

The family suggests that any memorial contributions be sent to the Community Hospital of Monterey Cancer Center or to a cancer charity of your choice.