August 2, 2015 marked the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, Valerie J. Cooley. Valerie was born May 9, 1937 to Victor Adolphus and Gladys Fuller Jackman. She attended East High School and the University of Utah where she pursued her passion in music performance. Her music studies continued in Munich Germany, after which she was chosen as one of the youngest members of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and sang along with her father. Throughout her life she blessed us all with her beautiful, clear voice.
She married Vernon Eldridge Cooley on July 2, 1962 in the Logan Utah Temple. Together they raised a family of seven outstanding children. A faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she held many church callings and was exceptionally tolerant of other faiths and life choices. Her home was open and welcome to all.
After Vernon's passing, Valerie returned to the University of Utah to receive her master's degree in elementary education and specialized in teaching English as a second language. Known for helping immigrants and first-generation Americans integrate into society while retaining respect and knowledge of their mother cultures, she instructed at Hawthorne, Rosslyn Heights, and Rose Park Elementary schools and Clayton Intermediate school. Education was a family priority, and she saw to it that all her children completed degrees at institutions of higher learning.
Valerie possessed many fine and outstanding qualities but will be missed by her children and grandchildren mainly for her unconditional love, selfless service, and unflagging support. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and two siblings Joyce Robison and Fred Jackman. She is survived by her brother John F. Jackman; her children Vernon (Rebecca Boyer), Victoria, Alison (Robert Keaney), Andrew, Lara, (Aaron Portmann), Mary (Bill Hall), and Joseph (Julie Hansen); her grandchildren Douglas (Alexandra), Joshua, Aubrey, Robert, Abigail, Grace, Sophie, Fiona, Stein, Sarabeth, William, Henry, Joseph, Caroline, Charlotte, Bailey; and her great granddaughter, Jane Victoria.
A viewing will be held Friday, August 7 at Larkin Sunset Lawn, 2350 E 1300 S, Salt Lake City from 6-8:00 p.m. and again Saturday, August 8, at 9:45 a.m. at the Bonneville LDS Stake Center, 1535 E Bonneview Drive, Salt Lake City. Funeral services follow at 11:00 a.m. Graveside services and interment will follow at Larkin Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Guadalupe School, www.guadschool.org, 1385 N 1200 W, Salt Lake City Utah 84116, (801) 531-6100. V
