Rooney, Helen Joann

Helen Joann Rooney, 75, of Cedar Rapids, passed away at home Wednesday, July 24, 2013. Memorial Service: 11 a.m. Monday at Cedar Memorial Park Chapel of Memories by Certified Celebrant Jim Parton. Inurnment: Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family one hour before the service.

Survivors include her children, Randy Rooney and wife Patty, Ronald Rooney and Susan Walter, all of Cedar Rapids; grandchildren, Laura (Ben) Sampson, Kristen Rooney, Michael Rooney, Zach Walter and Jessica Walter; a sister, Dorothy Junkins of Chino Valley, Ariz.; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Gerald; brothers, Dick and Jim McVeigh; and sister, Elice Stockwell.

Joann was born Feb. 21, 1938, in Keokuk, Iowa, to Leo and Helen McVeigh. She married Gerald “GR” Rooney on Feb. 4, 1956. In 1959, they moved to Cedar Rapids, where they made their home and raised their family. GR passed away in 2004.

Joann's greatest joy was spending time with her family who was always close by. She loved her children and grandchildren very much and was looking forward to the birth of her first great-grandchild in August.

Her hobbies included crocheting, growing flowers, watching birds out her back window, and cheering on the Hawkeyes.

Joann will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Memorials may be directed to the family.

The family would like to thank Dr. Beer and his staff and Dr. Cowden and Dr. Fowler and their staff for all of their kind care of Joann over the last several years.

Online condolences may be sent to www.cedarmemorial.com.

Published July 27, 2013 in The Gazette