The Quiet Life of Marge Cooney: First Wife of Phil Donahue and Devoted Family Woman

Who Was Marge Cooney?

Marge Cooney may not have been a household name in her own right, but she gained public attention through her marriage to acclaimed television presenter and producer, Phil Donahue. Known for hosting the groundbreaking The Phil Donahue Show, Phil brought daytime talk to national prominence, while Marge remained largely out of the limelight.

Born in 1936 in West Orange, New Jersey, as Margaret Mary Cooney, Marge led a life centred on family, faith, and service. Though she was once thrust into the public eye by association, she ultimately chose a quieter path that defined her character.

Early Life and Education

Marge was born to Mr and Mrs James B. Cooney and spent her early childhood in New Jersey. She later moved with her family to Chatham, New Jersey, and then to Boca Raton, Florida, where she lived for over 30 years. She had a deep-rooted emotional connection to Sea Girt, New Jersey, a place she cherished and visited every summer for 57 years.

She began her schooling at St Mary’s High School before attending the College of Mount St. Joseph in Cincinnati, Ohio. She later pursued further studies at Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, gaining a strong academic foundation.

Marriage to Phil Donahue

A College Romance

Marge met Phil Donahue while they were both at university, and their relationship blossomed over time. The couple married on 1 February 1958 in a ceremony held at San Felipe de Neri Church.

A Growing Family

Together, Marge and Phil built a large and loving family, welcoming five children:

• Michael (born 1959)

• Kevin (born 1960)

• Daniel (born 1961)

• James (born 1963)

• Mary Rose (born 1965)

Their life together spanned 17 years, during which Phil’s career flourished, and Marge maintained a stable home environment for their children.

Divorce and Life Thereafter

Despite nearly two decades of marriage, Marge and Phil divorced in 1975. The reasons for their separation were never made public.

A Quiet Life in New Mexico

Following the divorce, Marge chose to live a more private life and relocated to Albuquerque, New Mexico. Her focus shifted to raising her children in a nurturing and grounded environment.

Marge did not remarry, nor did she seek public attention. Instead, she immersed herself in her faith and local community. She was an active member of St Mark’s Church in Sea Girt, New Jersey, and a volunteer at St Joan of Arc Church in Boca Raton, Florida. Her involvement in local organisations, including the Spring Lake Golf Club, reflected a life rich in purpose and connection.

Phil Donahue’s Second Marriage

After their divorce, Phil Donahue found love again. In 1977, he began a relationship with actress and author Marlo Thomas after she appeared on his talk show. The couple married on 21 May 1980 in a modest ceremony.

Marlo and Phil later co-authored the book What Makes a Marriage Last, drawing from interviews with long-lasting couples. Though they had no children together, Marlo embraced her role as stepmother to Phil’s five children, forging strong bonds with each of them.

Phil Donahue as a Father

Throughout his illustrious career, Phil Donahue remained a dedicated father. Balancing fame and family life was no small feat, but he consistently made time for his children. Even after his separation from Marge, Phil remained actively involved in their lives, underscoring his strong family values.

The Passing of Marge Cooney

Many have wondered in recent years whether Marge Cooney is still alive. Sadly, she passed away peacefully on 2 February 2018 at Brandywine at Wall, a senior care residence in New Jersey. She was 82 years old at the time of her death.

Her former husband, Phil Donahue, passed away years later on 18 August 2024 at the age of 88.

Conclusion

Marge Cooney lived a life marked by dignity, devotion, and quiet strength. Though once in the public eye due to her marriage to Phil Donahue, she chose a life of privacy, community service, and deep family bonds. Her legacy is not one of fame, but of meaningful impact—on her children, her faith community, and those fortunate enough to know her.

As her chapter closes in the Donahue family story, Marge is remembered with admiration and respect. May she, and her former husband Phil, rest in peace, reunited beyond this world.