Mary H. Coughlin, 79, Worked and Volunteered at St. Joseph School

Mary H. Coughlin did office work and interacted with students at in Avon Lake, both as a volunteer and as an employee.

The Avon Lake resident, who died Nov. 10, at age 79, volunteered in the library and served as a outside monitor during recess.

Later, as an employee of Avon Lake Schools' Auxiliary Services, Coughlin ferried youngsters between St. Joe's and for remedial reading and math.

She taught Public School Religion for first graders, sang in the senior choir and belonged to the Ladies Guild at St. Joseph Church. She also was known for her deep faith.

"My mom's devotion to the Blessed Mother and to the rosary were lifelong," her daughter Lorene said. "I'm sure it increased with her own motherhood. She prayed the rosary on a daily basis and rarely went anywhere without it."

Coughlin, whose maiden name was Hughes, was born in Fort Wayne, IN, and grew up in Youngstown.

She married Bill Coughlin at St. Edward Catholic Church in Youngstown on June 28, 1952. Her husband's work in steel industry sales brought the family to Avon Lake in 1969. He died of heart disease in 1988 at age 56.

The couple raised six children -- Mark of Amherst and Lorene, Peggy Murphy, Jeff, Molly Sfiligoj and Sheila, all of Avon Lake – who survive. A seventh child, Mary Jane, died in early infancy.

Coughlin also is survived by 17 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and a brother, Ted Hughes of Ravenna.

Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated. Arrangements were by