Remembering 'Everyone's Mom'

HURON — Though her efforts were cut short, Laurel Cooley made a long-lasting impact on the Huron community. Cooley died Friday morning in a traffic crash. She leaves behind three children and her husband, Lester. "We were so in love," Lester wrote on his social networking page. "She was the best wife and mother. I don't know what I will do without you babe." In recent years, Cooley's shared her big heart within the Huron area. Two years ago, she founded Everyone's Mom, a nonprofit, after two Huron High School students, Dakota Leeland and Scott Klaiber, died in separate incidents in 2019. Her organization provided positive energy and support to Huron high school and middle school students. "I care about these kids like they're my own," Cooley previously told the Register. "I'm not trying to be a therapist — I'm trying to be loving to students. Sometimes they need to talk to a mom in the middle of the day and need someone to make their day less stressful." Before the pandemic, Cooley and her daughter, Ada, sat in Huron High School's cafeteria five days a week, for more than an hour, to talk to students about anything, from college to break-ups, in-person or on social media. It was common for Cooley to receive private messages from students on social media about their problems. For students who needed it, Cooley gave them her phone number. "If them calling me stops them from making a bad decision, why wouldn't I?" she said. "I don't just want to be available at school, but anytime — if they need a ride, a place to stay or someone to talk to." Additionally, Cooley bought Christmas presents for students who might not get them and sent cards to students who have lost loved ones. Though the program existed for a few months by December 2019, Cooley's impact made a difference. One student, for instance, used to sit by himself at lunch. But after Cooley got to know him, they now crack jokes among themselves and he often sits with Cooley at lunch. The student allowed Cooley to look after his young daughter. Initially, Huron High School junior Kaitlyn Cappa liked the free candy but got to know Cooley and stops by to talk with Corrine, because she knows Scott Klaiber's sister, Sarah. "It's a really sweet idea," she said. "No one comes over like this. It's a step in the right direction." Cooley said she put in 40 to 55 hours a week into the program, and more, when she planned a spaghetti dinner and silent auction for it. She credited her husband's "unconditional" support for the nonprofit. "When I thought this was never going to work, he said, 'you have to do this. This is your heart, people are going to see that.' He made me believe that and gave me the courage to jump in." Pressing on during the pandemic After schools switched to remote learning in March 2020, Cooley mobilized to bring food, toiletries and gift cards to suffering families. She stored supplies at her home and delivered them to anyone who needed them. Additionally, she remained available to students who needed someone to comfort and listen to them. Cooley worked with fellow nonprofit OHgo to supplement donations of milk, bread and produce when needed. "We want to take care of the whole kid — you can't work on assignments if you're worrying about your next meal," she said in April 2020. "It's hard to ask for help, especially for those who make too much for financial assistance. "I feel for these people because it's a tough situation anybody can find themselves in at anytime. I've been there — I've had to borrow money and get food from others and I don't want anyone else to feel like no one can help them." Seeing the community collaborate to care for Huron's children made Cooley grateful. "This (nonprofit) didn't start out as donating food, but you have to go where the need takes you," she said. "During the school year, it was about being there for the kids, now it's about making sure families are taken care of." Friends speak out Online tributes for Cooley poured in over the weekend. Stephanie Lane said Cooley helped her leave an abusive relationship and was always there for her. "If anyone knows Laurel, you know she changed your life with just one conversation," Lane said. "She reminded me how worth it I was. She loved hard and told the truth even harder. She believed in me. She helped empower me, in some of the darkest days. "We always 'got' each other," Lane continued. "She is my best friend, the one that reminded you that you were her family, too. I don't know how I won't miss her." Beth Geduldig Graven said she felt connected to Cooley from the first time they met. "Your smile lit up a room," she said. "You were funny and made me laugh, which I needed so badly at that time. Thank you for being a part of my life. You are one of the great ones. Your legacy will live on through your children, and I know you will always be with them." Longtime friend Matthew Jarrell shared a recent photo of himself and Cooley. "You changed the world and made it a better place and will be missed more than you'll ever know," he said. "Until next time my friend, when we dance on the clouds." How you can help • A GoFundMe fundraiser organized by Lane seeks $15,000 for funeral expenses and funds for Cooley's family. As of Sunday evening, almost $11,300 was raised. To donate, look up "The Laurel Cooley Family-Everyone's Mom" at gofundme.com. • Lane is also continuing Cooley's upcoming Christmas campaign for Everyone's Mom. The following items are needed by Wednesday, Dec. 15: - 37 medium size gift bags (about 10 x 6 x 13) - More non-food stocking stuffers for kids ages 11-18; about 20 for each gender. Think: Bath & Body Works travel size items, Chapstick/lip balm, deodorant body sprays/washes lotions, pens, hats, gloves, fidget toys, etc. Anyone can direct message Lane for help or drop off these items at 1002 Main St., Huron. "Please help us, help Laurel, do the jobs she started," she said. Reach reporter Caitlin Nearhood at nearhood@sanduskyregister.com and follow her on Twitter @CaitlinNearhood