Maureen Ellen Cooley

Maureen was born in Fort Seal, Oklahoma to parents Ralph and Dorothy Cooley of Austin, Texas. She was an identical twin to her sister Kathleen Marie Colley, born just five minutes apart. Maureen is finally at home and at peace with her twin Katie her best friend, whom she adored so much they were inseparable their entire life.

In 1972 she graduated from Burges High School in El Paso, Texas with honors followed by her higher education at the University of Texas at El Paso and graduated in 1976 with a bachelor's in teaching. During her college years, she belonged to Kappa Delta, PHI, BETA, Sigma, and PI, Lambda Theta. During her career, she wore many titles including working as a Principal. Maureen worked in several Elementary Schools in Austin including Sims, Gullet, and St. Elmo Elementary. She was also fluent in Español and she worked with migrant students at St. Edward's University, in Austin. Maureen was very dedicated to her students and believed that everyone deserved an education; she constantly encouraged her students to achieve their goals and strive for greatness. She was also a member of the National Education Association, Austin Association of Teachers, and Texas State Teacher Association. Beyond just being a teacher, Maureen made sure that her students knew that she deeply cared for them and loved bringing them joy. In 2008 she retired from teaching to become her father’s caregiver as well as helping her twin sister, Katie. Maureen always offered her help in any given situation, her unique and caring personality as well as her big heart captivated those around her, those closest to her would describe her as an amazing role model who accomplished everything she set her mind to.

Maureen had several hobbies that included playing the piano, music, dancing, reading, drawing and puzzles. She loved taking photos to make scrapbooks and enjoyed game shows as well as football! (Go Sooners!) She absolutely LOVED her chocolate and snowballs. Maureen also loved collecting spoons from all around the world as well as coins and stamps. She also enjoyed elephants and said that they bring good luck and energy to one's life. Maureen loved her dogs and they brought her much peace and healing. She also loved to sing, her favorite artist was Tom Jones and she could not get enough of him. Her favorite holidays were St. Patrick's Day and Christmas. Her smile lit up any room and her laugh went all the way to her toes. Maureen's favorite color was blue, like her eyes, blue as the sea. She loved to travel to many countries and discover new places. She enjoyed learning about different cultures and traditions. During her life, she and her sister Katie explored the wonders of Ireland, the United Kingdom, Mexico, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Africa, Switzerland, Germany, India, Bangkok, and Thailand, not to mention many places in the United States.

Maureen is survived by her very close friend Courtney Jean Ibarra Smith. Maureen and Katie met Courtney in 2012 and not only has she cared for them but also became part of their family. Courtney cared for Maureen up until her last day, honoring Maureen’s wish of being at home surrounded by the people she loved and cared for. A true friend never leaves a friend alone, and she never did. Maureen is also survived by Courtney’s husband Rodolfo I. Sanchez, additional family members, and her faithful companions Canelo and Candi along with all her friends and students.

Maureen is finally home and at peace, she's smiling down at us and is no longer in pain. She is in paradise; God has called for his beautiful angel. Until we meet again. Your kind and loving heart has definitely made a mark on everyone you touched and your love will continue to live on

Rest in Paradise Maureen Ellen Cooley

A funeral service for Maureen will be held Saturday, June 29, 2024 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral H, 6300 West William Cannon Drive, Austin, TX 78749.