Marcia Rooney
- Lake County News Reports
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Marcia Diane Rooney (Cremeans)
May 6, 1957-Aug. 28, 2018
After many years of illness and medical problems, Marcia slipped peacefully away with family at her side.
She was born in Huntington, West Virginia, on May 6, 1957, to Joseph M. Cremeans and Barbara J. Cremeans (Spears).
Eventually the family settled in Oak Forest, Illinois, where she graduated from Oak Forest High School in 1975.
Marcia lived in Lake County for 35 years and lived her life as a champion for animals. She worked as a veterinary tech and an animal control officer and had many entertaining stories of her adventures in advocating for the health and safety of all animals in Lake County.
After contracting Lyme disease, she was no longer able to work full-time. During her healthy periods she worked as a softball coach and a 4-H leader, where she became known as the “goat lady” and eventually became “Grandma Goat.” She ran a ranch full of a variety of animals and at one point in her life, was a dog trainer.
She loved showing off her animals to those who wanted to visit. Kids were often found on the top of one of the horses with Marcia standing guard right beside them. She enjoyed taking her goats and dogs to shows and was awarded many ribbons during that time.
People who knew her will tell you she was fiercely loyal and could be counted on to be a pitbull in your corner when you needed her to be.
She is survived by Phil Rooney, her devoted husband of 36 years. Her children, Marshall (Jeena), Kim (Chris) Sainsbury and Matt (Kristin) will carry her memory always. Caitlin, Isabelle, and Emma Rooney, Joe and Joshua Sainsbury, Easton Rooney, and Kayla and Alyssa Ceja were the eight grandchildren she adored. Her sister Marliee Haberkamp and brother Tim (Nancy) Cremeans will cherish the time they had with their sister. She is also survived by her nephews and nieces, as well as many friends throughout the years. She was preceded in death by both parents.
Per her request, there will be no services. A private celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to Hospice Services of Lake County in Marcia’s name, 1862 Parallel Drive, Lakeport, CA 95453, telephone 707-263-6222.
Mom, we love you … a bushel and a peck, a bushel and a peck, and a hug around the neck!