MARILYN C. COFFEY
NORWICH – Marilyn C. Coffey, 74, long-time Norwich resident, passed away unexpectedly at her home on Thurs., Jan. 30, 2014.
The daughter of Roland Anderson and Mary Duffy Anderson Ziemba, Marilyn was born in Chicago on New Year’s Day of 1940. Marilyn was raised by her mom and step-father, William Ziemba. Her father died when she was very young. She graduated from the Loretto Academy Catholic School in Chicago in 1957, and went to work for the 5th Army Headquarters Base in Chicago. While working at 5th Army, she met the love of her life, Thomas Coffey. They were married on Feb. 17, 1963 in Stuttgart, Germany and soon after came to Norwich in 1968. For many years she was a stay-at-home mom, that loved to sew and cook. Almost every outfit, including her own clothes, were hand sewn and every meal was made from scratch. After her family had grown, she went back to work. First working part time at the Chenango County Office Building in the Deeds Department and in 1976 she became the bookkeeper for Cornell Cooperative Extension and retired after 25 years in 2001.
Her greatest pride was being a mom and grandmother. She was always excited to share the accomplishments of her children and grandchildren. At each concert, play or sporting event, there was no one more proud than her. Marilyn was an outgoing and friendly lady who liked to cheer others with homemade soup or a beautiful yellow rose. She never sat idle, was never seen without a smile, and loved meeting people and getting to know them. Very devoted to her catholic faith and giving back to her community, she had served as president of the St. Paul’s PTA and had been both president and treasurer of the Ladies of Charity. Marilyn had held several offices in the Norwich Elks Ladies Auxiliary and was the historian for the local Red Hat Society. She enjoyed traveling with her ladies on trips and events, including Las Vegas, Saratoga Springs, the wine country and casinos, and many parties and sleepovers. Marilyn loved bowling, golf and darts. She enjoyed being part of many leagues including Couples Bowling and Friday Night Couples Golf with her husband Tom, Wednesday Ladies and Thursday Night Ladies Gofers Golf League and so many different Ladies’ Bowling Leagues. Her greatest achievement in bowling was a career high 592. As much as she enjoyed playing in each of these leagues, she mostly loved the many laughs, enjoying a nice cold beer and meal with her team mates, the get-togethers and of course the friendships she gained along the way.
Marilyn is survived by her children: Mary Branham and husband David of Oxford, Luke Coffey of Norwich and Michael Coffey of Binghamton; her brothers, Michael Anderson and wife Jan of Port Charlotte, FL, and James "Jim" Ziemba and wife Louise of Oklahoma City, OK; her grandchildren, Hollyann, Hailey, and Amy Branham; sisters-in-law, Irene Schuster of Norwich and Barbara Armstrong of Tucson, AZ and by many nieces, nephews and friends. Marilyn was predeceased by her husband Tom on Feb. 13, 2002; and by her youngest daughter, Terry Ann Coffey Coon, on Feb 27, 1992 and we cannot forget her chocolate Labrador retriever, Lady.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Marilyn will be held on Thurs., Feb. 6, at 11 a.m. from St. Paul’s Roman Catholic Church. The Rev. Ralph A. Bove, Pastor, will officiate. Interment will be at a later date in St. Paul’s Cemetery. Friends are invited to call at the R. J. Fahy Funeral Home on Wed. evening from 5-8.
Marilyn’s family has asked that in lieu of flowers, that donations be directed to the Ladies of Charity, c/o Wynifred Grzibowski, 239 County Road 33, Norwich, NY 13815; or to St. Paul’s Holy Family School, 17 Prospect St., Norwich, NY 13815.