Melissa Ann (Aulenbacher) Cooley

Melissa Ann (Aulenbacher) Cooley went to be with the Lord on Friday, August 5, 2016 at the age of 53 after a courageous battle.  She is survived by her loving husband of 21 years James Cooley, devoted son Daniel (age 20), adored daughter Hannah (age 17) and numerous extended family members listed below. 

Melissa was an accomplished violinist, talented teacher and librarian, beloved daughter, treasured sister, amazing friend, and most of all a devoted Christian, wife, and mother to her two children.

Melissa was born on March 22, 1963 in Houston, Texas to Walter and Rose Aulenbacher.  She was the fifth of six children and was full of joy and zest for life. She excelled in academics and music and was named to the Texas All State Orchestra all 4 years in high school.  She was also a member of the Houston Youth Symphony.  Melissa graduated from the University of Texas with her Bachelor’s Degree and received her Master’s Degree from Texas Women’s University.  

Melissa fervently loved the Lord and was always positive, encouraging, and full of faith.  She enjoyed performing beautiful dances with her daughter and church friends and also participated in the flag ministry.  She enjoyed music, reading, traveling, playing games, and spending time with her family and her 3 wonderful dogs, Buddy, Angel, and Little P.  

Melissa was smart, kind, talented and always willing to share good ideas and fun things to do. She also had a great sense of humor and was so witty, spunky, and fun! Melissa had a special gift for bringing out the best in people and spread love and happiness everywhere she went.  

Melissa is also survived by her mother Rose Aulenbacher; sister Margaret Maddox, brother-in-law Roger, nephews Andrew, Jack, Michael and niece Katie; brother Walter Aulenbacher and his wife Laura; sister Irma Rohatgi and her husband Rakesh, nephew Roger Rohatgi and his wife Heather, niece Rachel Rainey and her husband Ford; brother George Aulenbacher; brother-in-law Charles Cooley and his wife Charlotte, nephew Bryan; sister-in-law Dianne Richardson and her husband Phill, nephew James and his wife Ellen, and nephew David. She is preceded in death by her father Walter Aulenbacher, brother Louis Aulenbacher, father-in-law Lenard Cooley, and mother-in-law Grace Cooley.  

Melissa was a light in all of our lives and loved by all who knew her.  She will be greatly missed.  

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