After an injury and brief hospitalization, Cookie Nowoj expressed her desire to be with Jesus. On Oct. 20, 2014, Cookie went home to be with our Lord and Savior surrounded by her family who loved her deeply.
Cookie was born March 10, 1936, the only child to Martha and Jess Doty. She was born and raised in Walla Walla and attended St. Patrick's Catholic School, where she graduated in 1954. Cookie found her strength in God. He was the foundation of her life. Her parents enrolled her in ballet and tap lessons and watched their daughter's passion for dance grow. She started teaching dance in Walla Walla, Dayton and Waitsburg.
In 1957, she married the love of her life, Emil Nowoj, and together they raised four children. They moved to Clarkston in 1960 and made this their home and community before moving up the Snake River in 1996. Cookie and her family were members of Holy Family Catholic Church of Clarkston. She was a member of Beta Sigma Phi (Iota Chapter), was active in Catholic Daughters and started a card club in 1962 that continues today.
Cookie was a dance teacher for more than 39 years and influenced the lives of many children through her love and passion for dance. Children were drawn to Cookie because of her kind and gentle way. Upon moving to Clarkston she started her own dance studio, "Nowoj School of Dance." She also coached the Clarkston High School Scarleteers dance team for a number of years.
Besides dance, her true joy was her family and the holidays, being surrounded by the ones she loved. She cherished quality time. It was rare for her to miss a family event. Growing up she loved Seaside, Ore., and continued this family tradition of visiting Seaside annually with her children. Holidays were always filled with joy for the season of celebrating Christ's birth and for the chance for another family gathering. Holidays and family outings will never be the same. Cookie was so well-loved and we will miss her smile and presence. She has left us all heartbroken, but her spirit is with us.
Cookie is survived by her husband, Emil; and children Mary Jill (Dan) Rodgers of Selah, Wash., Susan (Jerry) Rauch of Lewiston, John (Liz) Nowoj of Woodinville, Wash., and Patti Jo (Lisa) Nowoj of Eugene, Ore.; grandchildren Mandi, Josh, Emily, Nicolas, Kyle, Alexa, Tyreke, McKenzie, Jadin and Zhoren; and great-granddaughters Maci and Zoey.
A rosary vigil will be held at 7 p.m. Friday at All Saints Catholic Parish in Lewiston, where friends and family are welcome to share their stories and to celebrate Cookie's life. A funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, with a lunch to follow.
Cookie's family wishes to extend a special thank you to the nurses and caregivers at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center for providing such loving care to Cookie and her family. In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make a donation in Cookie's name to the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
Service Information
- Date & Time
- Friday, October 24, 7:00 PM
- Location
-
All Saints Catholic Church
3330 14th Street
Lewiston, ID 83501
Get Directions - Additional Details
- A rosary vigil will be held at 7 p.m. Friday at All Saints Catholic Parish in Lewiston, where friends and family are welcome to share their stories and to celebrate Cookie's life. A funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, with a lunch to follow.
Offer Condolences
Our Family, Serving Yours
✔ Family Owned since 1898
✔ Professional, Licensed Staff
✔ Burial or Cremation Services
✔ Pre-Arranged Funeral Plans
✔ Comfortable Facility
Serving the LC Valley Since 1898
920 21st Avenue