In Loving Memory of Cathrene Coellen Hooker
November 16, 1937 – January 20, 2025
Cathrene Coellen Hooker, born in Beckham, Oklahoma, on November 16, 1937, passed away peacefully on January 20, 2025, at the age of 87. Coellen married Floyd Lee Hooker in 1953, and together they built a life grounded in family, work, and travel. They bought their first home in Laramie, Wyoming, and raised two children, Robert Hooker and Kim Barnes. She was a devoted wife, mother,grandmother, auntie, and friend. Coellen dedicated many years to the Laramie School District lunch program, where she worked in variety of roles and eventually helped lead the program. Beyond her daily work, she was deeply committed to ensuring children had access to nutritious meals. She actively supported school meal funding by writing letters to members of Congress, advocating for programs that provided healthy,
consistent food for students. She had a passion for gardening, cooking, traveling, and the outdoors. Coellen was always ready for a new journey, whether it was a road trip across the U.S. or an opportunity to explore new countries. She visited all corners of the country, from the rugged landscapes of Alaska to the streets of New York City. Her international travels took her to Europe, Mexico, Australia, and China,
where she embraced different cultures with curiosity and enthusiasm. Above all, Coellen deeply loved her family and cherished every moment spent with them. There was nothing she enjoyed more than
bringing people together, especially for outdoor activities and shared experiences. Whether it was going to the lake, hunting, skiing, camping, four wheeling, enjoying big family dinners, or simply spending time during family visits, she found joy in togetherness. Her humor and warmth brought people close, and those memories remain lasting gifts to everyone who shared in them.
She was preceded in death by her husband Lee Hooker, her children Robert Hooker and Kim Barnes, and nephew Scott Craigie. She is survived by Karen Dowis, Evanna Dowis, Autumn Barber, Terri Craigie, William Craigie, Terry Craigie, Cody Craigie, Teresa Jacobs-Castano, Samantha Castano, Anthony Castano, Jim Spell, Sandy Spell, Brandon Barnes, and Bryan Barnes. A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. on Sunday, August 10th, at the Alice Hardie Stevens Event Center.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wyoming Hunger Initiative – Angel Accounts program, in honor of Coellen’s commitment to caring for others:
https://www.nohungerwyo.org/donate-wyoming-angel-account
13 Comments To "Cathrene Coellen Hooker"
#1 Comment By Sharon Cole On July 31, 2025 @ 4:10 pm
I’m so sorry to hear about Coleen. She was a very sweet lady. David really loved her, talked about her a lot. My prayers are with the family.
#2 Comment By Judy Adams On August 1, 2025 @ 9:39 am
So very sorry about Coleen. She was a wonderful cook and later supervisor at Laramie Junior High. The peanut cinnamon rolls and the toasted cheese sandwiches will always be my favorite. Bob and Kim were very special students and friends. May they all rest in peace
#3 Comment By Joyce R HANNAS On August 1, 2025 @ 11:53 am
I met Coellen in 1958 when I married Sam Hannas. He and Lee were best friends and kept in touch forever. Coellen was a good friend. Sorry for your loss. All good things must come to an end.
Joyce Hannas
#4 Comment By Mary Lou Vaske On August 1, 2025 @ 2:49 pm
Coe was an individual who worked hard at all aspects of her employment in the junior high cafeteria. She cared about the people that she worked with. Students knew her as an individual who cared about each one of them as they came thru the lunch line.
When the cafeteria had the time to prepare her delightful cinnamon rolls the information spread quickly and any of the staff who could get away from their duties would quickly visit and indulge in one of wonderful treats.
She is one of those individuals who will be missed.
#5 Comment By Beth Hulett Fly On August 2, 2025 @ 1:16 pm
She was a precious “Lunch Lady”. RIP 🫶
#6 Comment By Lois Roberts On August 4, 2025 @ 5:21 pm
So sorry she is gone. She was a good friend and co-worker and will be remembered dearly. Blessings to her family.
Lois Roberts
#7 Comment By Deb Spano On August 5, 2025 @ 10:15 am
My Heart is crying, as I just found out, I lost my Friend in January, I had not heard till today. We kept in touch often, but the last
two years have been difficult with my own Family lose, Coe was my manager in 1980 and up, she was my Idol, and learned so much
on how to treat people and then I became a Manager at the Jr high some to after she Retired, when we spoke by phone, I would often tell
her that till this day how much I Amiere’d her and all that she taught me, I love you my friend Coe and now your at peace and with
your loved ones REST IN PEACE MY FRIEND XOXO
#8 Comment By Anonymous On August 6, 2025 @ 1:27 pm
I am deeply saddened by the news of her passing. She was a sweet, kind person and will be missed. RIP Coe, Love you
Pat Ackerson
#9 Comment By Pat Ackerson On August 6, 2025 @ 1:37 pm
I am deeply saddened by the news of her passing. She was a sweet, kind person and will be missed. RIP Coe, Love you
Pat Ackerson
#10 Comment By Ellen Fanning Roylance On August 9, 2025 @ 7:48 pm
Coe was a special compassionate loving friend. She opened her home and her heart to many. My life is better because she shared it.
#11 Comment By Eva Christy On August 21, 2025 @ 12:58 pm
Coe was the most fun lady I ever knew! She brought joy at every corner of life ! She will be greatly missed missed !
#12 Comment By Dee Moody On August 26, 2025 @ 3:45 pm
I just read this information and am so sorry. Coellen will be deeply missed. The Hooker family was a large presence in my family as I was growing up, very special lady.
#13 Comment By Jason Craigie On January 28, 2026 @ 11:04 am
I’m Jason Craigie, I have been estranged from the family for years it’s not just her we morn it’s the fact that 1203 Reynolds St in Laramie Wyoming are family which for probably 60 years have gathered for celebrations and mourning I will miss that most… I miss my family