Mary Elizabeth Cooley

Mary Lib Cooley passed peacefully, January 22, at St. Vincent’s Nursing Home surrounded by her family. She was the daughter of Mary and F.W. (Skip) Annand, born in her beloved Halifax, Nova Scotia, on October 5, 1928.

Mary Lib was known for caring about people. Her open heart, kindness and generosity of spirit were evident in everything she did…and yes, she was a doer!

Whether working as the Returning Officer for the federal riding of Halifax, creating the Guest Services for the Marblehead to Halifax Ocean Race, or being appointed to the National Advisory Council on Aging, Mary Lib had a unique ability to lead and inspire people. Her straightforward manner, positivity and ‘can-do’ attitude encouraged her teams to do their very best.

She was a legendary campaign manager! Notably she ran the successful MLA and mayoral races for her friend Ron Wallace. Her dedication to the safety and advancement of women was shown in her work for the Service for Sexual Assault Victims (Chair and Founder) and the Task Force on Family Violence.

Civic duty and giving back to her community was a cornerstone of Mary Lib’s life. Being a lover of politics and community, she made sure she was current on the issues. And, we know well, she could respectfully go “toe to toe” with anyone who had a difference of opinion!

It is not surprising that the IODE was a huge part of her life. This women’s organization focused on service, education and citizenship. For over 60 years, Mary joined other amazing women in countless community fundraising activities that were always highlighted by literally thousands of asparagus rolls, cheese and cherry, and minced ham sandwiches.

Mary’s passion of travel took her to far corners of the world including Romania, Latvia, Kenya, Georgia, Fiji and Australia. Whether she was training people on how to run democratic elections, or visiting friends and family, she always told stories about the people she met, about their kindness, vitality and integrity. These were merely reflections of her character and values.

Along with her work, she had an equal love of good humor and fun! Family members are grateful to Mom and Dad for passing on their gifts of laughter, sailing, music, dancing, extended-family dinners, the outdoors and, of course, loyalty to friends. Remembering Mary would not be complete without recognizing her as an astute and committed bridge player who was also a wonderfully patient teacher of new players.

Good ol’ Nova Scotia hospitality was always at the forefront of Mom’s welcoming nature, best represented by her open-door policy, famous apple pies and her extraordinary smile!

Mary was a solid, determined and passionate woman. As a close friend said, “She always seemed compelled to make an impact – whether on the dance floor, in the community or for her family and friends. She showed up!”

Mary Lib is predeceased by her childhood sweetheart, dance partner and loving husband for 59 years, Donald L. Cooley.

She is survived by her sister, Barbara Jacobson, her nieces, Katherine and Gillian and nephew, Michael.

There was nothing more important to Mary than her family. She will be deeply missed by her children, Janet Short (Gary), Bill (Jane), Ross (Tracy Snow), Pamela, and Charles (Natasha Jones); and her grandchildren, Daniel (Naomi) and Darcy (Fiona) Short in Australia; Thomas (Ashley), Sandy (Beth Ardron) and Lindsay of Halifax; James (Nikki) in New Glasgow; Eli Cooley-Morris in Vancouver and Ryan and Danica in Toronto. She is also fondly remembered by former daughters-in-law, Sue Cooley and Leanne Richardson. Her great-grandchildren, Cody, Jacob, Grace, Brodie (Australia), Stella and Frankie (Halifax), and Sienna (New Glasgow) will miss their Great-Nannie. Of course we want to recognize mom’s devotion to her many other “adopted” children – you know who you are!

We want to say a heartfelt thank you to Melville Heights and the community there for their love and generosity, the VG 5th floor nurses and sitters, St. Vincent’s Nursing Home 6th floor staff for their compassion and gentleness in her last days and Dr. Valerie Lewis for her consistent considerate care of Mom over the years. When asked before her passing what she wants us to say about her, she simply responded, “Just say thank you to my friends.”

Visitation will be held at J.A. Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Drive, Wednesday, January 25, from 4 pm to 7 pm. Celebration of Mary’s life will be Thursday, January 26 at Snow’s chapel at 4 pm.

One of Mary’s many volunteer activities, and something she cared a great deal about, was palliative care. Please consider, in lieu of flowers, donating in memory of Mary Cooley to the Halifax Hospice to support the first hospice built in Halifax. hospicehalifax.org