Marylynn Puneky Rooney

Marylynn “Punkin” Puneky Rooney of Metairie, Louisiana, formerly of New Orleans, died peacefully Saturday, January 9, 2021, at the age of 93. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John Henry Rooney, Sr.; her son, Gerard Francis Rooney; her parents, James Joseph Puneky and Clara Mercedes Flynn Puneky; four brothers, George, Gerald (Cornelia), James, Edward; and three sisters, Claire, Marjorie Brown (Peter), and Jamesine “Trippie” Guyant (John).

Marylynn is survived by her children, John H. Rooney, Jr. (Frances), James P. Rooney (Michele), Mary R. Nuttli (Thomas), and Robert M. Rooney, Sr. (Carol); her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Robert Rooney, Jr. (Mallory), John Rooney (Jennifer), Thomas Nuttli, Jr., Grady Rooney Odom (Gregory), Kevin Rooney (Orna), Anne Nuttli, Stuart Rooney (Claire), Emily Nuttli Williams (Jordan), John Nuttli, Destiny Rooney, Andrew Rooney, Josephine Rooney, Brooks Odom, Olivia Rooney, and Jackson Odom; as well as numerous extended family, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A native of New Orleans, Marylynn attended St. Francis of Assisi, St. Mary’s Dominican High School, and was a graduate of St. Mary’s Dominican College. She received a Master’s in Education with an emphasis in Library Science from The University of New Orleans. Marylynn worked as a librarian at St. Catherine of Siena, Southern Baptist Hospital, Louisiana State University School of Medicine, West Jefferson Hospital, and The University of New Orleans until her retirement. She served as President of St. Mary’s Dominican Alumnae. She participated in the People’s Program and was an active participant in the Lakeview Shepherd Center where she made many friends.

Marylynn was a parishioner of St. Catherine of Siena Parish of Metairie. A devout Catholic, she lived her faith which guided everything she did. Marylynn was a loving mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her family was her greatest joy. As a mom she could solve all problems with unconditional love; always praying for her children, babysitting for grandchildren, providing thoughtful gifts at Christmas and birthdays, fixing broken toys, typing reports and resumes, advocating in defense of her kids when needed, and just being there to listen and talk at any hour of the day or night. She treated everyone with kindness, lived with grace, and always saw the good in others. She had many dinners, parties, and family celebrations, always welcoming family and friends. An avid reader, excellent seamstress and knitter, Marylynn’s interests also extended into local New Orleans cuisine, especially crabs, charbroiled oysters, and CC’s coffee. Her immense love for her family and her kind, gracious, and warm spirit will never be forgotten. She will live in the hearts of her family forever.

The family expresses its deepest gratitude to Dr. Kiran Zaveri and the staff of East Jefferson General Hospital, as well as the loving care of Margara Toc, Angel Jones, and Robin Vinson.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church on Saturday, January 16 in a private ceremony by Father Andrew Gutierrez and Father Leon Poche. Interment was in Lake Lawn Park Cemetery. The family requests that any donations be made to St. Mary’s Dominican High School, 7701 Walmsley Ave, New Orleans, LA 70125.

To view and sign the family guestbook, visit lakelawnmetairie.com