COONEY, Jessica Lee
Born Monday December 08, 1980. Passed away Friday July 10, 2026.
Passed away surrounded by the love of her family, after a courageous and unwavering battle. Aged 45 years.
Dearly loved wife and soulmate of Andy. Beautiful and devoted mum to Kyra, Mia, Shani and Mali, and loving step-mum to Archie and Theo. Cherished daughter of Sue and Doug, and much loved step-daughter of Peter. Treasured sister of Laurel, Sam and Chloe, and top shelf Aunty to all the young ones.
Her love, strength and beautiful spirit will remain in our hearts forever. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Guests are warmly invited to bring a favourite 6″ × 4″ photograph of Jess with a cherished memory, message or story written on the back. These photographs will be displayed during the service before being lovingly gifted to Jess’s girls as a lasting keepsake.
Funeral notice
A service to celebrate and honour the life of Jessica Lee Cooney will be held at the Jan Juc Surf Life Saving Club, Clubhouse Road, Jan Juc on Friday, July 17, 2026 commencing at 1pm.
In accordance with Jess's wishes, a private cremation will be held.
For those who are unable to attend, CLICK HERE to view the live-stream
As parking in the area is limited, family and friends are kindly asked to allow a little extra time to find suitable parking and arrive before the service begins.
View recordingTributes
Leave a tributeI would like to share my sincere condolences to Jess’s family, friends and all who knew her in some special way. I am thinking of you all throughout this very difficult time. The sun was shining brightly on this winters day, a light shining for you all to celebrate such a beautiful lady. I am so sorry for your loss. Xx 💐
July 17, 2026 8:12 pm
Jess, I’m so grateful for your friendship as we honed our painting skills together. Yours were definitely more advanced than mine. It was a joy to create, laugh and chatted by your side, ‘two peas in a pod’ though we’d only just met. May you rest in the love and light that you so clearly did in life.
Sending lots of love to Andy, your girls and the Cooney family.
Lots of love, CassJuly 17, 2026 2:41 pm
Jess, Andy and the Cooney-Cross Clan,
Reading through these tributes and listening to the words shared today, one thing is for certain, Jess-you were a beacon of goodness to all who had the pleasure of knowing you. Your kind, thoughtful nature and the strong but gentle way you carried yourself through life was evident to all.
I wish I could have been there today but instead I have found a quiet spot on the beach to sit and listen and reflect on who you were and what you meant to those who knew you forever or those who knew you only briefly. It had rained here in Newcastle for days but as I sat here the sun broke through the clouds and shone a warmth just as you did.
I’m so glad I knew you, you are such a huge loss to this world.
Rest in Peace dear Jess.
Jessica Russell (along with Steve, Noa and Lola)
July 17, 2026 2:22 pm
Dear Andy,Sue & Peter, Doug, Laurel, Sam and Chloe and families we will be with Colin today watching you honour and farewell your beautiful Jessica sending all our love from Christchurch. Rae Wakefield and Liz and Don McBride will also be there with Colin.
Our daughter Megan will be present representing our family with Susan and Julian. While we wish we were there with you today we know you will be surrounded by the hundreds who knew and loved Jess so well. Looking forward to spending time with you soon
Wishing you that peace which surpasses understanding even in the midst of unthinkable loss
Bridget and Vince RyanJuly 17, 2026 11:49 am
Jess, I am devastated that you were taken from us so soon, and that you miss out on the glory years you so deeply deserved. You leave a vast legacy behind.
I met you when our girls were in kindergarten in Alice Springs. As single mums navigating the chaos of young kids, I felt incredibly alone until you reached out. Your friendship was warm, safe, and easy. You were radiant, fiercely honest, and could turn any conversation into fits of laughter. I lived in absolute awe of you as you juggled your girls, casual work, and study. Hearing you talk about them, it was clear you understood them all so deeply as individuals, working tirelessly to be there for them.
Seeing how fiercely loving and connected the Cooney Cross family is has been a beautiful gift to witness. I will always be grateful for the way your family and friends supported me during a challenging time in my own life, that is simply what they do, they love unconditionally.
Andy, it warms my heart deeply to know that over the last eight years, Jess enjoyed such a profound, devoted partnership with you. True love is never guaranteed in this life, making it all the more special that you found each other.
Kyra, Mia, Sharni, and Marli, I have no doubt this pain is unimaginable. She lives on in you, every cell in your body is a continuation of her.
Jess is a lighthouse, and being in awe of her character will serve as a constant reminder to live our own lives with honesty, love, grace, and humility.
She will be deeply missed.
Sadly we can not attend the service in person but we send deep love and sympathy to ups all from Far North Queensland,
Kellie, Mark, Dea, Jonte and Lilou
July 17, 2026 9:36 am
Dear Kyra and family,
Im so sorry for your loss, thinking of you all during this difficult time.
I never had the privilege of meeting Jess but i know how much of an amazing woman, mum and best friend she was to Kyra, the girls and Andy. The strength, the love, the fight, the courage.
Although i can’t be there, i send so much love to you all.
Rest in peace Jess xxx
Taylor
July 17, 2026 8:03 am
To Andy and family
Jess was such a wonderful lady.
She will be greatly missed
Shine on xx
LizJuly 16, 2026 1:32 pm
Jess you were such a beautiful soul, I hope your travels into the next life allow you to watch over your loved ones. Deeply saddened. Luv Carla
July 16, 2026 12:54 pm
Dearest Jess,
Our beautiful daughter inlaw.
You brought so much happiness to Andy.
Your lovely girls and Archie and Theo
made a wonderful team, but sadly time was too short.
No more pain beautiful girl....
You will be forever in our hearts
Mike (dec) and Marg Forssman.July 16, 2026 12:28 pm
Andy: a note to offer my sympathy to you and Jessica's family. Jess' death is a great grief to you all. May the memories you have of so much love shared be a consolation to you. Peace! Michael O'T.
July 16, 2026 10:36 am
Dear Andy and family
I had the privilege of meeting Jess you and your family at the hospital on HW5. From the moment we meet Jess and you , you touched our hearts as nurses .
Scott and I had the most magical time celebrating you after your wedding when we came to visit.
What a beautiful family full of love.
We are so sorry for your loss, to you and your family. Jess in the weeks we meet was the most gorgeous Devine beautiful lady.
on behalf of my ward, please know Jess and you touched our hearts and we are so very sorry for your loss. As the Nurse Unit Manger , I am so sorry for your loss of one magical lady who you all love so much. RIP gorgeous lady 💕July 15, 2026 6:14 pm
Dear Andy and Cooney/Cooney-Cross family,
Jess was always a symbol of quiet strength and resilience to me. Watching her support her family in a multitude of ways while trying to make everything work was a beautiful thing to observe. I am so happy she found something so special with Andy to add to the amazing people she already had around her as well.
My anger and exasperation in the last few months of Jess’s journey in life will always be overcome by the vision of her smile, sound of her laughter and admiration of her character. She will forever be a role model for my children - someone to look up to.I was truly blessed to ever have met her let alone call her a friend. I will miss you Jess.
July 15, 2026 3:25 pm
To Andy ,and all the Family on the sad passing of Jess thinking of you all hang on to all the Beautiful Memories from Alice Doyle and Family 💕
July 14, 2026 8:28 pm
Dear Andy, the girls and family,
Although I can't be there, my thoughts and love are with you all.
Jess was a beautiful cousin whose strength, courage and warm spirit touched so many lives. She will always be remembered with love.
Andy, thank you for keeping us updated throughout her journey and for the unwavering love and support you showed her. It meant so much to all the family.
Rest peacefully Jess. You will be deeply missed and never forgotten.
Love, Skye Cahill (Cooney) and family XxJuly 13, 2026 6:31 pm
Dear Andy & Family,
With our deepest sympathy in
The loss of Jess.May there be some consolation
In knowing she is no longer
suffering and now has eternal
rest.We are thinking of you all at
this sad and difficult time.Margaret Daffy & Maurice Kemp.
July 13, 2026 5:13 pm
To Andy, the girls, and all of the family,
We are so deeply sorry for the loss of Jess.
Jess showed such incredible courage, grace and love throughout her journey. That love is something so special, and it will always be with you.
We hope that you find some comfort in the beautiful memories you shared and in the many lives Jess touched along the way.
Your cholangiocarcinoma family is here for you, surrounding you with love, strength and support.
Rest peacefully, Jess. You will always be remembered and held in our hearts.
With our love and deepest sympathy,
Steve & Claire. Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation Australia
July 13, 2026 7:47 am