Obituary of Laverna E. "Lee" Mooney

Laverna “Lee” Mooney, age 95, a longtime resident of Glenmont, passed away at her home on August 16, 2023, with her family by her side.

Lee was born on February 10, 1928 in the South End of Albany, NY to William G. Cupps and Anna Mary (Lobinger) Cupps.

Lee attended Albany Schools and worked at Huyck’s Felt Company, where she met the love of her life, her husband Bill Mooney after he returned from serving during World War ll in the Army.

They were married at St. Ann’s Roman Catholic Church, in the South End, on February 21, 1948 and were married for 67 years when he died in 2015.

Lee was a charter member of the Selkirk Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary and longtime parishioner of St. Francis of Assisi Church (formally St. Anns).  Lee was past president of the Altar Rosary Society and member of the Discussion Group at St. Ann’s.  Lee loved to sew and made many altar cloths for her church and did the church’s laundry every week for many years. Lee was devoted to her church and had a very strong belief in her God and Saints.

Lee worked for many years for the Gabrilove family and loved them deeply.  She was always willing to lend a hand to anyone that needed help.

Lee was the devoted and loved mother to Sandra O’Keefe and her husband Tim of Glenmont and James Mooney and his wife Rita of Charlotte, NC.  Beloved grandmother to James O’Keefe and his wife Tara, Collin Mooney and his wife Amanda and Caitlin Ryan and her husband Michael.

“Gigi” to her special great grandchildren Liam, Abigail and Oliver O’Keefe, Garrett and Gavin Mooney and Kaley Ryan.

Lee is survived by several nieces and nephews.  Lee was the youngest of 8 children and was predeceased by her brothers William, John and George and her sisters Marie, Emily, Anna Mary and Georgianna.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Lee’s family from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 20, at the WJ Lyons Jr. Funeral Home, 1700 Washington Ave. Rensselaer. Lee’s Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 am on Monday, August 21, at the St. Francis of Assisi Parish South End Worship Site, 4th Ave and Franklin St. Albany. Interment will immediately follow the funeral mass at Calvary Cemetery, Glenmont.

Donations can be made in her memory to St. John/St. Ann’s Outreach Center at 88 Fourth Ave, Albany, NY 12202-1922.