Cookie Katherine Noland, 78, of LakeRidge in Lubbock passed away on July 13, after a brief illness. Cookie was born in 1944 in San Antonio to Alfred and Katherine Gaule. She grew up in Selma, Texas and graduated from Judson High School.
On a memorable Christmas Eve, Cookie met the love of her life, Gene, an airman. Just four months later, they married and settled in San Antonio. In 1964, the couple moved to Lubbock when Gene was assigned to Reese AFB, and for the past 35 years, they lived in LakeRidge. Cookie attended Texas Tech and built a successful 40-year career in real estate, eventually owning a property management company.
Cookie was devoted to her family and actively involved in her community. She volunteered for numerous organizations, assuming roles such as Brownie leader and an office holder for the Alpha Phi’s Mothers’ club. Additionally, she served on the steering committee responsible for the successful vote for wine and beer sales in Lubbock. However, it was her unwavering dedication to Meals on Wheels that truly showcased her selflessness. For over two decades, Cookie dedicated her time as both a volunteer and esteemed Board member.
Cookie’s gourmet cooking was renowned, and her Christmas celebrations were a highlight, featuring famous recipes like crepes and bread pudding with cognac sauce. Cookie was a one of kind: a strong, loyal, funny, and loving good friend.
Together, Cookie and Gene shared a passion for travel, exploring the USA with their girls during summers and adventuring worldwide and taking two grandchildren Europe. Her love for travel inspired an eclectic art collection that adorned their home.
The couple’s daughters, Michelle and Katrina, both graduated from Texas Tech. Michelle Trenum (Gil) resides in Virginia with her two sons, Cody, a Marine Captain, and Walker, a Virginia Tech Senior. She also lost a son, Austin. Katrina Dye (Franklin), a teacher, passed away in 2015. She had two daughters, Elizabeth Jankowski (Ben) of Maryland, a program manager, and Alison Clardy (Kyler) of Oklahoma, mother of great-grandchildren Havyn and Judson.
Cookie is also survived by her sister Bertha (Jerry) Brinkley of San Antonio; and many nieces and nephews. Cookie will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery alongside her love of 60 years, Gene.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests contributions to Lubbock Meals on Wheels in her memory.
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