Suzanne Porter Cooley

On March 30, 1950, I was joyously born as the first daughter of Elbert H. and Frances B. Porter of Salt Lake City. I had a great childhood with one sister, Janice, and three brothers, Sherril, Dwight, and Bryant, growing up in an East Millcreek neighborhood. Some of my fondest memories are as a teenager living with my family in West Yellowstone, Montana, running my father’s business, Dinosaur Safari. He was an amazing sculptor and had made 13 life-sized dinosaurs that were on display there.

I graduated from Skyline High School in Salt Lake City and then went on to graduate from USU and loved it there. I married a fellow loyal Aggie, Marcus R. Cooley, on September 10, 1970, in the Salt Lake Temple. We had a varied and interesting life together and our love certainly grew through the years.

Our greatest joys will always be our four children: Mark, Ben, Tom, and Maryann. Parenting had its ups and downs, but there was always love and I feel we are close as adults. I can still cry just thinking of how much I love our four children and how grateful we feel to have been blessed with each one. 

And what joys we have had enjoying our precious grandchildren: Ryan, Jared, Lexie, Jeffrey, Ray, Jonathan, Scarlett, Abigail, and Amelia. Grandma will watch you grow from Heaven and will always care intensely about each of you.

I was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. From my time as an 18-year-old college student until now, I was a “visiting teacher” which I loved doing. I especially enjoyed being a Cub Scout den leader and sacrament meeting chorister. I had many other callings too that all strengthened my faith. 

I enjoyed traveling a lot, especially a Europe Trip. We loved many cruises. I enjoyed camping and trips with vacation homes. I sing. I garden. Marcus and I served a mission in Tucson. What a highlight!

It was a good life, and the Lord has blessed me!

I was preceded in death by my dear sister Janice, a wonderful brother Bryant, and my parents. I went into their open arms on Wednesday, February 19, 2025. 

I am survived by my dear husband of 54 years, Marcus; my children, Marcus, Benjamin, Thomas (Audrey), and Maryann (Kris); my nine grandchildren, and my sweet dog Jack.

An evening viewing will be held on Tuesday, February 25th, from 6:00 - 8:00 PM at the Memorial Redwood Mortuary located at 6500 South Redwood Road, West Jordan, Utah 84123. A daytime viewing will be held on Wednesday, February 26th from 11:00 - 11:45 AM and funeral services will follow at 12:00 PM located at 5905 South 4000 West Kearns, Utah 84129. Interment will be held at the Memorial Redwood Cemetery following funeral services. Located on 6500 South Redwood Road West Jordan, Utah 84123.