Mary Edmona Cooke Heeney's Obituary
Mary Heeney passed away peacefully on June 14, 2025 at the age of 89. Mary was born in Harrison Arkansas as the only child of Corles and Alma Cooke. They reared her in the Disciples of Christ Church, a faith that upheld her throughout her long life. After high school, she attended Phillips University where she earned a bachelor’s degree. It was while at Phillips University that she met and married John Heeney. They were married for over 64 years until his death in 2021.
Mary and John had three daughters and many grandchildren whom she treasured. She was a dedicated mother and grandmother who radiated pride in her family. Mary earned a master’s in education and taught high school business classes before working for Aetna Life and Casualty until her retirement. Mary then became a tax preparer until her second retirement at age 78. Mary had many hobbies but was passionate about gardening. She was an accomplished pianist and often accompanied her husband and various church choirs. She loved to attend symphonies, musicals, and her daughters and grandchildren’s recitals.
Mary’s true spirit never left her. She was the core of our family. Mary is survived by Brenda Heeney, her husband, Gary Collier and children Tyra and Ty’lia, Ellen Clapp and her children, David, his wife Taylor, Joshua, and Martha, and Carol Gsell and her husband Timothy and children, Anna and Eric. She is also survived by several beloved nieces and nephews. Mary is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and her granddaughter, Mary Collier.
The family would like to thank Kate and Amie with Suncrest Hospice, who helped with Mary’s care towards the end.
Services will be held in the fall in Kansas. Donations can be made in memory of Mary to the SEM Food Pantry: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?cmd=_s-click&hosted_button_id=S8G3QLX3Q6W36&ssrt=1751741655163 or the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America: https://myasthenia.givevirtuous.org/donate/donation-form.
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