Jean Fitzhenry Coughlin
November 26, 1925 ~ March 12, 2008
Resided in:
Biltmore Forest, NC
Asheville Butterfly Trail
Biltmore Forest - Jean Fitzhenry Coughlin, 82, of Biltmore Forest, died Wednesday, March 12, 2008, at her residence.
The daughter of the late William J.J. and Ethel Howard Fitzhenry, she was born in Buffalo, NY on Thanksgiving Day in 1925 and was the widow of Dr. J. Desmond Coughlin, who practiced Urology in Asheville for 33 years prior to his death in 1987.
Jean graduated from New York State University in 1947 with a B.S. degree in Home Economics and Social Welfare Work. In Asheville since 1954, she volunteered in many worthy causes and was involved in pre-school for handicapped children at the Asheville Orthopedic Hospital, now Thoms; St. Joseph's Hospital Guild and St. Genevieve of the Pines-Gibbons Hall. Jean was former President of the Buncombe County Medical Auxiliary, a sustaining member of the Junior League of Asheville and the Altar Society of the Basilica of St. Lawrence. Jean was a member of the Biltmore Forest Country Club and the Ladies Golf Association. Jean enjoyed the outdoors with golf, hunting, travels and our beautiful mountains, but her family meant the world to her.
Jean is survived by two sons, J. Desmond Coughlin, Jr. of Virginia Beach, VA, Dr. Paul W.F. Coughlin and his wife, Barbara, their four daughters, Sara, Lindsay, Catherine and Elizabeth of High Point, NC; a daughter, Tara C. Walker and her husband, Sam F. Walker and their son, Scott of Roaring Gap, NC.
The family would like to thank Betty Lanning, Judy Williams, Peggy Randolph, Mary Fairchild and Mary and Ken Hornowski for their loving care and comfort provided to Jean.
Funeral services will be held at the Basilica of St. Lawrence at 11:30 A.M., Saturday. Burial will follow in Calvary Episcopal Churchyard.
The family will receive friends from 7 until 9 Friday evening at the residence, 414 Vanderbilt Road.
Jean had requested the following be inserted in her obit, "P.S., No tears - have a party, sorry to miss it!"
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Basilica of St. Lawrence, 97 Haywood Street, Asheville, NC 28801; Pathways-Life After Cancer, 121 Sherwood Road, Asheville, NC 28803 or to Mission Healthcare Foundation, PO Box 5363, Asheville, NC 28813.
dr Paul my dad and I were partients of you dad and i was a patient of yours and my mom played golf with your mom my thoughts and prayers are with your family
Mrs. Sommerville and I express our condolences over the loss of Mrs. Coughlin. I was a contemporary of Dr. Coughlin and my wife and Mrs. Coughlin shared in the work of the medical auxillary both of whom were past presidents. Our sympathies go to the family.
Tara,
Sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. Mom had me arrange for flowers; I hope they get there, and that you can at least be comforted and surrounded by the love of your family, Karen
To the family of Mrs. Coughlin, I along with Betty, Peggy, Judy, and Dot was a caregiver for Mrs. Coughlin. We all enjoyed our time with Mrs. Coughlin and will always remember her beautiful smile, humor, and gracious attitude. May GOD bless each of you during your loss. Mary Fairchild
To the Coughlin Family,
I work w/ Dr. Coughlin at the Surgery Center in High Point, NC. I would like to express my heart felt condolences to you all in the loss of Mrs. Coughlin.
I am originally from Mars Hill and it was nice to talk to Dr. Coughlin about the mountains and how he would mention his mother each time. You could tell she was a special lady and could see how proud Dr. Coughlin was of her.
Please know that your family is in my thoughts and prayers as you go through this difficult time.
May God Bless you all,
Cindy Sykes
I treasure Tahoma memories with my many favorite friends thanks to Joyce and Jean.
My sympathy to you children. And my love. Ann
Deepest symmpathy to Des, your brother and your sister.
Harold
Paul, I am very sorry to hear about the passing of your mother. I do have fond memories of going over to your house when your parents lived on Sunset Mountain. Your mother was a great person. I just want you to know that I have been thinking about you and Desmond all weekend and unfortunately I was out of town and could not get by to see you all. Again, I am very sorry to hear about your mom. Jon Creighton
Dear JD, Paul, and Tara,
I just learned of your mother’s death and wanted to express the fond memories I have of her and your whole family from our days in the Manor Grounds, visits to Lake Tahoma, etc. We had so much fun! I hadn’t kept up with your mom over the years (I’ve been in Washington State since 1979) but visited Virginia Price in Thomasville last year and she mentioned that your mother had come to see her not long ago. My sympathies are with all of you.
Dear JD,Paul,and Tara,Your mother was always one of the most clever and antertaining people to be around.You always got her honest opinion about whatever subject was discussed,but she always respected other views (although they were wrong!!).I also enjoyed treating her as a patient,even when she would apologize about having to bring her ‘green tank’ with her.I’ll keep her,and all of you, in my prayers.I’m sorry to miss her service,and you had better make it a party. Sincerely,Walter Brosnan