Alice Knotts Cooney, 92, of Darien, Conn., and Waldoboro, died peacefully at her home in Waldoboro on Sept. 30.
Born in Tacoma, Wash., on Nov. 17, 1923, she was the daughter of Gilbert Lloyd Knotts and Alice McCoy Knotts. She grew up in Portland and Falmouth, attended Deering High School, and graduated from Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. She taught school in upstate New York, Long Island, and New Haven, Conn. She also worked briefly at Colonialcraft, her sister’s handmade braided rug business in the old sail loft in Waldoboro.
While working in Waldoboro, Alice met Daniel R. Cooney at a dance at Lakehurst Dance Hall on Lake Pemaquid in Damariscotta. She married him less than a year later on July 9, 1949, at her family’s home in Falmouth, and they spent 67 loving years of marriage together. In addition to raising her two girls, Alice was involved in a number of volunteer organizations in Connecticut.
She had a gentle intelligence and impish curiosity. Her kindness to everyone earned her the name sweet Alice. A keen bridge player, she also enjoyed cooking, gardening, and her Norwich terriers. She was also known for her exquisite needlepoint. Maine had a special place in her heart, especially the family’s home in Waldoboro, where she enjoyed exploring islands, family picnics, and family gatherings.
Alice suffered a long and debilitating illness from Alzheimer’s disease.
Alice was predeceased by sisters, Elizabeth Fletcher, Grace Bean, and Janet Granville.
In addition to her husband, Daniel Cooney, she is survived by her daughters, Rebecca Cooney and husband Tito Pizarro of New York City, and Alice Cooney Frelinghuysen and husband George, also of New York City; grandsons, Henry Frelinghuysen of Stamford, Conn., and Russell Frelinghuysen of Asheville, N.C.
A memorial service will be held in her honor at 11 a.m., Wed., Oct. 19 at St. Luke’s Parish, 1864 Post Rd., Darien, Conn. She will have a private family burial in Waldoboro next summer.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Alice’s memory may be made to the Waldoboro Public Library, 958 Main St., Waldoboro, ME 04572; or Alzheimer’s Association of America, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601.
To extend online condolences, light a candle for Alice, or to share a story or picture, visit her Book of Memories at www.hallfuneralhomes.com.
Hall’s of Waldoboro has care of the arrangements.