Obituary of Mary Katherine Coughlan

COUGHLAN - M. Katherine (Kay) Our energetic and loving mother passed away peacefully, surrounded by all of her children, in the early hours of December 29th. Born in Saint John, May 18, 1930, she was predeceased by her loving husband of 58 years, James F. Coughlan. She loved and was very proud of every member of her family and their accomplishments. She will be remembered by her five children: Kathleen Coughlan-Wallace (Jordan), Maureen Holditch (Michael), Chris (Carrie) Coughlan, Peter (Melissa) Coughlan and Shawn Coughlan; grandchildren: Seth and Braden Holditch, Mackenzie and Luke Coughlan (Margaret Kantel), Lindsey (Kyle Finnamore), Daniel and Katie Coughlan; and great-grandchildren: Jaxson and Kamille Finnamore; and lastly, her beloved pet "Babe". She is predeceased by her father, Joseph J. Keohan; mother, M. Kathleen (McCullough); brother, P. Joseph Keohan; and sister, Patricia J. McAuley. Mom grew up in the Rockland Road area, spent her married life in Millidgeville and was a member of the parishes of Holy Trinity and St Pius X. She was awarded an Honorary Life Membership by the Girl Guides of Canada, spending many years as a Brownie Leader and was most recently a member of the Friendship Trefoil Guild. She was a member of CWL and an active member of the Irish Canadian Cultural Association, Saint John Chapter, having served as the Honorary Chair. She was also a regular contributor of handmade baby blankets and more to Romero House. As a young woman she worked for the Royal Trust and after raising her family she became the owner and creative force behind Shamrock Ceramics. She was known as the "Violet Lady" and her shamrock and violet covered giftware line has travelled around the world. She and Dad loved to travel in their camper and made several long trips along the US East Coast, wintering in Florida for over 15 years. Their travels also included Ireland, England, California, Mexico, the Bahamas, the Maritimes and Quebec. Thank you for the wonderful care provided by Shannex Millidgeville, the staff of the 8th floor of St. Joseph’s, Saint John Regional and Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospitals, and especially Dr. Chris O'Brien. Resting at Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John (634-7424), with visiting on Monday, January 1, 2018 from 6 to 8 pm and Tuesday, January 2, 2018 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated from St. Pius X Church on Wednesday, January 3, 2018 at 1 pm. Interment will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, remembrances to Romero House would be appreciated by the family. Please place online condolences and remembrances at www.brenansfh.com.