Ann E. Coughlin, a cherished mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on November 20, 2023, in Rye, NY. Born on December 18, 1929, in New York, NY, Ann was a beloved figure known for her selfless love, wisdom, and strong dedication to her family and community.
Ann was raised in her family’s home on Cornell Place in Rye, and grew up on Rye Beach. She passed her love of the beach onto her children by bringing them each day of the summer. Her life was marked by her education at Rye High School, from which she graduated in 1947. Before her marriage, she was employed by the NY Telephone Company, demonstrating her hard work and dedication that would mark her later years. On April 28th, 1951, she married the love of her life, Daniel Coughlin, at the Church of the Resurrection. Their bond was strong and enduring, and together they embarked on numerous travels across the United States, which included attending Danny’s Marine reunions. Even after his passing, Ann continued going to these events and kept in touch with the friends she met there.
Ann was a devoted mother who took a break from her career to raise her children. She later rejoined the workforce, contributing significantly to the United Way of Westchester. Her dedication to her children and her work was paralleled only by her commitment to her community. As a member and previous board member of the Rye Seniors, Ann was a regular volunteer at many Rye Recreation events, including the Haunted Park, Breakfast with Santa, and the Carole Kirby Memorial Egg Hunt. She was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Rye Fire Department.
An active woman, Ann swam many laps at Durland Scout Center and Rye Golf Club, and was a Brownie and Girl Scout leader. She loved the outdoors and enjoyed many camping trips with her family, as well as countless cruises with her friends. Above all else, Ann was a loving and selfless woman who cherished any opportunity to gather with friends and family. Her wisdom and compassion were an inspiration to all who knew her. The legacy she leaves behind is one of love, service, and commitment to family and community, and she will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege to know her.
Ann was predeceased by her husband and her son, Danny, her sister Lillian Smith and brother William Moslander, her mother Anna Maloney and her father Fredrick Moslander, and sons-in-law Chris Sherry and Frank (Zugi) Byrne. She is survived by her daughters Catherine (John) Lester of Valhalla, NY, Eileen Coughlin, and Linda Byrne of Rye, NY; her grandchildren Daniel (Angela), Eric (Sammy), Christopher (Jackie) Lester, Jimmy and Gracie Byrne and Christopher Sherry Jr.; and her great-grandchildren, Nas, Aidan, Kieran, Steven, and David, and several nieces and nephews. In her later life, she was blessed to be well cared for by Dean and Yanique and well fed by Steve Verille.
The family will be receiving friends at Grahams Funeral Home on Tuesday, November 28th, from 4:00pm – 7:00pm . A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, November 29, 2023 at 10:00 at the Church of the Resurrection in Rye, NY. The Mass will be live streamed for those unable to attend in person. Interment to follow at Greenwood Union Cemetery.
In Lieu of flowers, donations in Ann’s memory can be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society or Hospice of Westchester.
I am saddened to learn of Ann’s passing. She was a wonderful person with a marvelous sense of humor. We would always see her at the Resurrection. blood drives, and we would discuss local and national politics, as well as tell Marine Corps stories. I met Ann the year before we moved to Rye, At the Marine Corps Ball for my unit, Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 452 (VMGR-452) held in Fishkill, NY. At the Ball, Danny was awarded his Purple Heart, earned at the battle of Peleliu in September, 1944, one of the most intense battles of the Pacific War where he was wounded. The medal and citation were presented by Lt. General Charles Pittman, Deputy Commandant for Aviation. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house.
After Danny’s passing Ann remained a member of the 1st Marine Division Association, and would regale us about her conversations with General Jim Mattis, among others.
Semper Fi, Ann. I’m sure you’ll see Dan again, while he’s standing post guarding the streets of heaven.
Correction: Danny received his Purple Heart from General Pittman in 1989. I was corrected by the family last night