Barbara Coughlin

Barbara Coughlin

Barbara "Barb" Coughlin, 79, of Erie, passed away Wednesday, January 11, 2017 at her residence. She was born May 22, 1937 in Erie, a daughter of the late John and Ellen "Pat" Carney Coughlin.

Barb was a graduate of Villa Maria Academy, Class of 1955 and received her B.S. Degree from Edinboro University. She was a Special Education teacher in the Erie School District for many years, retiring in 1993.

Those who ever had the privilege of meeting Barb know that she was an amazing soul. She cherished her family and friends beyond all things. She had a witty sense of humor and was never afraid to speak her mind. She was a life-long civil rights advocate and she had an unstoppable dedication to volunteerism in her community. She passionately dedicated many years of service to the Emmaus Soup Kitchen, the Kid's Cafe, and Saint Vincent Health Center. She worked with the John Kanzius Cancer Research Foundation, where she received the "Volunteer of the Year Award." She was also a volunteer poll worker for numerous years, serving as a Majority Inspector in the 6th Ward Fourth District of the City of Erie.

She was a member of Saint Patrick Church and the Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees. She enjoyed spending time with her Birthday Club, High School Club, and her Glenwood YMCA water aerobics class.

Throughout her life she always enjoyed traveling. She visited places like Hawaii, Alaska, and New York City with her family and friends. She and her sister traveled to Ireland in recent years where they celebrated their Irish heritage with newfound travel companions and friends. She enjoyed beach vacations in the summer with her family, including all nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews in one house, endearing called "Barbie's Beach House."

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her sister Patricia Brugger and brother Michael Coughlin.

She is survived by her son, Carmen Williams of Erie; five nieces, Susan Brugger Krakovsky (Joseph) of Jackson, NJ, Michele Brugger Orlando (John) of Erie, Meghan Coughlin (Kevin O'Connell) of Pittsburgh, PA, Bridget Brugger McSorley (Patrick) of Christiansburg, VA, and Trish Brugger Iovino (Paul) of Wexford, PA; one nephew, M. Brian Coughlin (Amy) of South Bend IN; her sister-in-law, Judy Coughlin of North East, PA; seven great-nieces, Brooke, Lauren, Kailey, Maeve, Rory, Morgan, and Addison; and four great-nephews, Michael, Connor, Finnegan, and Collin. She is also survived by several cousins and dear friends.

Friends are invited to call at the John R. Orlando Funeral Home, Inc., 2122 Raspberry Street, on Sunday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. and may attend a Funeral Mass on Monday at Saint Patrick Church, 130 East 4th Street, at 10 a.m. Burial will be in Trinity Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to The Emmaus Ministries, 345 East 9th St., Erie, Pa 16503.