Dr. Rooney was born in New Orleans on April 8, 1931, and has lived in the metropolitan area most of her life. She attended St. Matthias Parochial School and graduated Valedictorian from St. Mary’s Dominican High School in 1948. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree, cum laude, from St. Mary’s Dominican College in 1952 with a major in elementary education. She received a Master’s Degree in 1968 and a Doctorate in 1976, both in Special Education, from the University of New Orleans.
Dr. Rooney taught in the New Orleans Public Schools, the Academy of the Sacred Heart, St. Matthias School, and many schools in Jefferson Parish Public Schools. She was an administrator at Miller Wall, Joshua Butler, Deckbar, Harris, John Martyn, Bonnabel and Matas before retiring to become an Educational Diagnostician.
After retiring from Jefferson Parish Public Schools, Dr. Rooney worked at Learning Associates until Hurricane Katrina destroyed their office in 2005. She then worked as an independent contractor at Belle Chasse Academy, Cedarwood School and Kehoe-France School. She also did teacher evaluations and other contract work for the Louisiana State Department of Education, as well as private evaluations.
During her career, Dr. Rooney was active in the International Dyslexia Association, the Council for Exceptional Children, Girls Scouts and Cub Scouts. She remained active in the East Jefferson General Hospital Auxiliary and the Metairie Woman’s Club of which she was a past-President and the Outstanding Woman in 2015.
Dr. Rooney was predeceased by her parents Simone (Sam) and Roberta Lienhard Fucich, siblings Robert L. Fucich, Jan Babcock (Charles), Donald M. Fucich (Rena), son Michael E. Rooney and the love of her life, Maurice E. Rooney to whom she was married for 43 years. Survivors include a daughter, Peggy, son Donald, and Donald’s wife Sara and their daughters Erin Mclean (Justin) and Kelly Pearsall (Russell). Also, great grandchildren Logan and Harper Mclean. Siblings include Jerry (Sally) and Robert S. (Anne) Fucich. Dr. Rooney is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Special thanks go to Dr. Rooney’s loving caregivers Christine Garrison and Tammy Riley, whose excellent care made it possible to remain in her home until death.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Funeral Mass at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd. in New Orleans on Monday, December 31, 2018 at 12 noon. A visitation will be held at the funeral home beginning at 10:00AM. Interment will follow at Lake Lawn Park.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to St. Michael’s Special School or the Covenant House
To view and sign the guest book, visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com
