Sometime in 2018, the curiosity to want to know who Marge Cooney was increased because of her death. Until then, she was a relatively unknown woman and was in the shadows as a parishioner in her local church. Why did people want to know who she was?
Marge Cooney is also known as Margaret Cooney was the former and first wife of American author, producer, and anchor, Phil Donahue. For ten years, the couple was married and even had five children together.
They would later settle for a divorce ten years after their marriage. This was in the mid-1970s. Quite a long time, you know.
Marge Cooney became famous because of her relationship with Phil Donahue, who is a popular American writer, film producer, and media personality.
As regards information about Margaret Cooney, there is not enough about it on the internet. But we have found a way of getting some facts about her that would interest you.
Quick Facts About Marge Cooney
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Early Years of Marge Cooney
Even though there isn’t too much information about the early life of Marge Cooney, we know that she was born in 1938, the month and day is what we do not know.
She was born in West Orange, a small town in New Jersey. Her early education isn’t known but the media report that she had all her education in New Jersey.
There are conflicting reports about where she grew up. Some say she grew up in Chatham, New Jersey before she relocated to Boca Roton, Florida. The latter being where she stayed before her marriage.
Marge Cooney was admitted to Marquette University. But she opted to join the University of Notre Dame in Indiana. It was at Notre Dame that she met Phil Donahue by the way.
Tabloids also say she was a fervent member of St Mark’s church in Sea Girt.
Who is Phil Donahue?
Arguably one of the most successful media personalities today, Phil Donahue has maintained a reputation for over 5 decades. Donahue was born in Cleveland. He is an alumnus of the University of Notre Dame, where he bagged a degree in 1957.
His retinue of experience, if anyone says it is unmatched, one can actually believe. A media graduate, Donahue set out to make a name for himself. He started first at WKYC-TV before proceeding to WABJ radio. His rise was meteoric.
He would later become an anchor on CBS Morning News. This made him popular. After his experience, he got his own show, The Phil Donahue TV Show which became one of the most-watched shows in the US.
Let’s look at some interesting facts about Marge Cooney.
#1. Marge Cooney Has no Particular Profession
From several reports about her life, there is no one that categorically stated what job Cooney was doing or what profession rather. Everything only pointed to the fact that she was a parishioner. Perhaps, she also has found a way of keeping her personal life from the media.
#2. Cooney Was A Golfer
Maggie was particularly fond of outdoor sports as many tabloids report but she especially loved golfing. As a young woman, she had the vigor for sports and subsequently joined the Spring Lake Golf Club where she became an ardent golfer.
#3. Marge Cooney Had a Heart of Gold
If there was one thing that people who saw her alive, could associate with Cooney, it was her kind heart. She was said to be ready to help the less privileged. Her passion for seeing the needs of people met saw her join a charitable program, an initiative that was sponsored by St. Joan of Arc Church in Boca Roton, Florida.
Joining them, they were able to provide food items for children and the needy in the community; a gesture worthy of mention.
#4. Marge Cooney’s Marriage to Phil Donohue Was Initiated By Her Brother
The meeting between Phil Donahue and Marge Cooney wasn’t by coincidence. Jim Cooney, Marge’s brother was close friends with Phil and in one of their several meetings at Notre Dame, Marge was present and he introduced her as his sister, and the rest they say is history.
#5. Marge Cooney’s Marriage Had Three Priests
After dating for a while, Phil Donohue and Cooney decided it was time to tie the knot. They did however tie the knot in the presence of family and friends but also in the presence of three priests. The couple married in 1958 in New Mexico at the San Felipe de Neri Cathedral.
#6. The Couple had Five Children in Ten Years
Cooney and Donahue consummated the marriage with five kids. The children, four boys and a girl include Michael Donahue, Kevin Donahue, Daniel Donahue, James Patrick, Mary Rose Donahue. Unfortunately, only four of the children are alive today. James Patrick died from an illness in 2014.
#7. The Couple Separated First Before Finally Divorcing
The differences between Phil and Marge were so great that they had to separate first till 1974. This year, they decided to see if they can work things out. So, they came back together but after a few months, they finally filed for divorce in 1975.
Phil got custody of four boys while Mary Rose followed her mother to Albuquerque where they started a new life. Both Phil and Marge remarried after the divorce. The identity of Marge’s new lover is not known as we speak.
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Today, Phil is married to Marlo Thomas. They married in 1980 and have not had any reason to separate.
#8. Is Marge Cooney Alive?
No. Marge Cooney died on February 2, 2018, at the ripe age of 82 years. Perhaps she had regrets, that is not for us to say but she did live life to the fullest.
Conclusion
Though late now, Marge Cooney lived her life and is remembered by those she was able to serve.
