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Loni was a devoted woman of faith who loved God and, above all else, treasured her family.

Loni Lynn Cooley, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, teacher, and friend, passed away on Wednesday, September 2, 2026 at the age of 67. Born on January 21, 1959, in Hazleton, Pennsylvania, Loni was the daughter of Patricia Lyle Shucker-George and Robert McGeehan.

Loni was a devoted woman of faith who loved God and, above all else, treasured her family. She found her greatest joy in spending time with her grandchildren and creating memories with the people she loved. She was happiest surrounded by her family, whether gathered around the table playing a game of Sorry, enjoying time together, or watching her grandchildren grow.

Loni graduated from Arundel Senior High School with the Class of 1977 and went on to attend the University of Maryland. She dedicated more than 20 years of her life to educating children through Frederick County Public Schools. Teaching was more than a career for Loni-it was a way for her to make a difference in the lives of others. Her kindness, patience, and commitment to her students left a lasting impression on the many children and families she served.

Outside of teaching, Loni enjoyed the simple pleasures of life and making memories with the people she loved. She loved going to the beach, spending time outdoors, shopping, and, when her children were younger, camping together as a family. Some of her most cherished memories were made during those family adventures and the time spent together away from the busyness of everyday life. She also had a love for gardening and took great pleasure in nurturing her plants and watching things grow. Her love of gardening reflected many of the qualities she carried throughout her life: patience, care, and a deep appreciation for the simple joys around her.

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She found her greatest joy in spending time with her grandchildren and creating memories with the people she loved.

Loni was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James “Jim” T. Cooley; and her brother, Richard McGeehan.

She leaves behind a loving family who will forever cherish her memory: her daughter, Katelyne E. Rusenko and her husband, Steve Rusenko; her son, Robert “Drew” Cooley and his wife, Taylor Cooley; and her beloved grandchildren, Bristol Rusenko, Kori Rusenko, Kyler Rusenko, and Greyson Miller.

She is also survived by her sister, Gina McGeehan; her brother, Randy McGeehan and his wife, Donna McGeehan; as well as Dustin Hall, Trish Hall, Bailey Hall, Sydney Hall, RJ McGeehan, Elizabeth McGeehan, and many extended family members and dear friends who were blessed to know her.

Loni’s love was steady, generous, and unconditional. She was a woman who gave so much of herself to her family, her students, and those around her. Her presence brought comfort, laughter, and love, and her memory will continue to live on through the children she taught, the family adventures she shared, the garden she tended, the laughter around a game of Sorry, and, most importantly, the family she loved so deeply.

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Some of her most cherished memories were made during those family adventures and the time spent together away from the busyness of everyday life.

Though she is no longer with us, the lessons she taught, the love she gave, and the memories she created will remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Loni’s memory to the Lung Cancer Research Foundation or the American Diabetes Association.

“Her greatest legacy was not what she left behind, but the love she planted in the hearts of everyone she touched.”