Mary Margaret Cooney
October 13th, 1943 - March 23rd, 2026
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Mary's Obituary
Mary Margaret (Shinske) Cooney, 82, of South Haven, Michigan, passed away peacefully on March 23rd after a courageous battle with leukemia, surrounded by her husband of 62 years, Kevin, and her children. She was a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, and her presence will be deeply missed.
Mary was born in South Haven, Michigan, on October 13, 1943, and was the oldest of three children of the late Kenneth and Jean Shinske. She attended LC Mohr High School and Western Michigan University, where she met her husband.
Mary and Kevin were married in June 1964 at St. Basil’s Catholic Church in South Haven, Michigan. They had three girls and moved to Indiana where they welcomed their son. Kevin’s career at Whirlpool took them to St Joseph, MI; Newburgh, IN; Marion, OH; Fremont, OH; and in retirement they split their time between South Haven, MI and Scottsdale, AZ. She accumulated lifelong friends in all these communities.
Mary is survived by her children Bridget Cooney (Mark Barriere), Molly King (Mike), Amy Tyrrell (David), and Kevin Jr. (Bri); her grandchildren Luke Tyrrell, Matthew King, Brendan King, Daniel Tyrrell, Kellan Cooney, Harrison Cooney, Emma Cooney, Everett Cooney, and Ryan Cooney; as well as her sister Anne Szarkowski (David d. 2020) and brother Tom Shinske (Laura).
Mary possessed a remarkable range of talents and interests: she was a golfer, a bowler, a gardener, a party planner, and an avid bridge player. She could knit a sweater or a blanket, and occasionally she would sit at her piano and play a beautiful song. She was involved in her communities through her volunteer work at nonprofits such as Birthright and Scott Club, causes dear to her.
Above all, Mary cherished her family. She deeply loved her four children and their spouses, and she adored her grandchildren. Her greatest happiness came from spending time with them—whether hosting family gatherings, spoiling the grandkids, or simply being surrounded by the people she loved most. Her home was the heart of the family, and she made sure everyone felt special and cherished.
In lieu of calling hours, a Rosary will be prayed on Monday, April 6, at 5:00 p.m. at St. Basil Catholic Church located at 513 Monroe Blvd. in South Haven, Michigan. The Funeral Mass will also be held at St. Basil Catholic Church, on Tuesday, April 7, at 11:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to St. Basil Catholic Church or the Maritime Museum. To those who choose to leave a memory or condolence please visit: www.starksfamilyfh.com Arrangements are entrusted to Filbrandt Chapel-Starks Family Funeral Homes and Cremation Services. 269-637-0333.
Mary was born in South Haven, Michigan, on October 13, 1943, and was the oldest of three children of the late Kenneth and Jean Shinske. She attended LC Mohr High School and Western Michigan University, where she met her husband.
Mary and Kevin were married in June 1964 at St. Basil’s Catholic Church in South Haven, Michigan. They had three girls and moved to Indiana where they welcomed their son. Kevin’s career at Whirlpool took them to St Joseph, MI; Newburgh, IN; Marion, OH; Fremont, OH; and in retirement they split their time between South Haven, MI and Scottsdale, AZ. She accumulated lifelong friends in all these communities.
Mary is survived by her children Bridget Cooney (Mark Barriere), Molly King (Mike), Amy Tyrrell (David), and Kevin Jr. (Bri); her grandchildren Luke Tyrrell, Matthew King, Brendan King, Daniel Tyrrell, Kellan Cooney, Harrison Cooney, Emma Cooney, Everett Cooney, and Ryan Cooney; as well as her sister Anne Szarkowski (David d. 2020) and brother Tom Shinske (Laura).
Mary possessed a remarkable range of talents and interests: she was a golfer, a bowler, a gardener, a party planner, and an avid bridge player. She could knit a sweater or a blanket, and occasionally she would sit at her piano and play a beautiful song. She was involved in her communities through her volunteer work at nonprofits such as Birthright and Scott Club, causes dear to her.
Above all, Mary cherished her family. She deeply loved her four children and their spouses, and she adored her grandchildren. Her greatest happiness came from spending time with them—whether hosting family gatherings, spoiling the grandkids, or simply being surrounded by the people she loved most. Her home was the heart of the family, and she made sure everyone felt special and cherished.
In lieu of calling hours, a Rosary will be prayed on Monday, April 6, at 5:00 p.m. at St. Basil Catholic Church located at 513 Monroe Blvd. in South Haven, Michigan. The Funeral Mass will also be held at St. Basil Catholic Church, on Tuesday, April 7, at 11:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to St. Basil Catholic Church or the Maritime Museum. To those who choose to leave a memory or condolence please visit: www.starksfamilyfh.com Arrangements are entrusted to Filbrandt Chapel-Starks Family Funeral Homes and Cremation Services. 269-637-0333.
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