Nancy Cooney

Nancy Evans Cooney, 90, passed away on Monday, August 7, 2023, in Mason, Ohio, from natural causes. Cooney was the author of six children's books, published by G.P. Putnam’s Sons (New York) and Philomel Books (New York) between 1978 and 1993. She was best known for her book The Blanket that Had to Go, which was featured twice on the Captain Kangaroo television program, including the program’s final episode in 1984. The book was also featured in the 1992 video Captain Kangaroo’s Favorite Stories.

The Blanket that Had to Go and Cooney’s first book, The Wobbly Tooth, were each selected “A Children’s Choice” by the International Reading Association–Children’s Book Council Joint Committee. Three of her books were Junior Literary Guild selections, two were Child Study Association Books of the Year selections, and one was featured in Sesame Street Magazine. Publishers Weekly noted Cooney’s “talent for speaking directly to little children about big problems” and remarked that “Cooney's text is perfectly attuned to the ups and downs of a child's day.”

Cooney was also a gifted singer, performing with the New Jersey-based “Joyful Sound” choral group during the 1970s and 80s.

Cooney was born in McDowell County, West Virginia, and grew up in Northfork. She earned her B.A. in English Literature from the University of North Carolina in Greensboro in 1954 and an M.A. from Marshall University in 1956. She lived in Bridgewater, New Jersey, during her active years as an author, and her works are among those included in Raritan Valley Community College’s archive of Central New Jersey authors.

Cooney was predeceased by her husband of 50 years, John (1933–2005). She is survived by her four adult children, James (Piscataway, New Jersey), Carolyn (Mason, Ohio), Christine (Newtown, Pennsylvania), and Mark (Milford, Michigan). She was the loving grandmother of nine. Memorial donations may be made to Queen City Hospice.

A private inurnment will take place in Fairmount Cemetery, Old Turnpike Road, Califon, New Jersey at a later date.