Miriam Satsuki Cooney ne Tango, born May 17, 1938, in Hilo Hawaii, passed peacefully surrounded by family on Friday, January 26, 2024. Miriam was lovingly known as Mom to her husband and her children and Gramma M to her grandkids. Miriam was one of eight children born to Rokotaro and Haru Tango of Niigata Japan. She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings Motoko Tango, Doris Kauihou (Alfred), Robert Tango (Chiyo), Florence Tango, Jerry Tango (Jane), Genevieve Tango, and Edward Tango (Candace). Miriam moved to California in 1959 then to New York City in 1963, where she met the love of her life Thomas Cooney. After a whirlwind courtship, Tom and Miriam were married in October of 1965 and made the cross-country journey to California that year. They had two children, Sean and Kellie Ann.

She worked for TRW/Experian for 22 years as an Administrative Assistant then as a Compliance Investigator. Her strong will and work ethic touched every part of her personal and professional life, which makes it no surprise that she developed many life-long friendships. Surviving Miriam are her husband Thomas (Tom), son Sean (daughter-in-law Jennifer); daughter Kellie Ann (son-in-law Brian Johnson); grandchildren Ian Heisler (Rochelle) and Pheadra Santana; and great-grandchildren Kaylee, Maxwell, Ethan and Adelie; and many loving nephews and nieces.

Miriam's greatest pleasure in life was the years with Tom, followed by her children. Her pride and joy were her relationship to her family and her role as "Mom" and "Gramma M".  Miriam was at her happiest when she was working in her rose garden, and surrounded by family and friends, and least we forget – tasting a glass or two of fine red wine.

Miriam loved going to Las Vegas for high school reunions with her fellow graduates from Hilo High School where they would spend hours together and "talk story" about their years growing up in the innocence of small-town Hawaii.

Miriam loved the time spent with friends and family. She was a very generous woman, was always willing to help, and would do anything needed to support the cause - as exemplified by her years as Vice President of Membership for the Orange County Rose Society. She was an accomplished rosarian growing over three hundred roses in her garden. She also was a certified Consulting Rosarian and Rose Judge for the American Rose Society.

There will be a Celebration of Life for Miriam on Sunday, March 3, 2024, 1:00 p.m. at the Westminster Community Center, 8200 Westminster Avenue, Westminster, CA (corner of Jackson Street/Westminster Avenue) followed by a reception. Miriam would want you to be comfortable; so, business casual garden attire would be appropriate.

Following cremation Miriam will rest in her "Forever Home" in Aliso Viejo.