
As we all know when someone near and dear passes, you start recalling all the moments you shared with that friend or loved one. And Grandma's passing, this moment was no different.

I would like to share some of the memories that were shared with me. 

Josh remembers when he was studying the roaring 20's in school and asked Grandma if she was a "flapper". He was surprised when she said "Yes". They laughed together and from that day forward Josh called Grandma a flapper.

Kelly, like the rest of us girls can relate, remembers when she was pregnant and Grandma was sure it was a girl so she ran out and bought a little mint green dress for the new granddaughter to wear home from the hospital. Grandma was at the hospital when the baby came and she was surprised "she" was a "he" and she still wanted him to wear the dress home. All kidding aside she loved her grandsons as much as she did her granddaughters.

Bonnie's favorite memories were when her, Jim and the boys would head to Stafford on Friday nights's to pick up Mom, go to the Stafford Store to pick up dinner and head to Grandma's for Friday Fish Fry Night.

Carla remembers when Grandma was caught speeding in Stafford. She started out from her house doing the right speed limit but as she got to the 30mph speed limit she speed up and he turned on his lights. She said she just couldn't understand why he just didn't pass her. When he approached her vehicle she just thought to herself he has the whitest eyes and whitest teeth. He let her go and told her she should pay closer attention to her speed.

Chrissy recalled her times of going to have lunch with Grandma and eventually working one summer with her in the basement of the Treadway.

Kyle remembers when he had fallen and got a bruise on his face, ironically in the same spot that Grandma had fallen and hurt herself. They posed for a picture together and had a good laugh.

Jason, Halee and I loved the time we spent with Grandma (and Aunt Barb and Mom) at our annual garage sales at Granny's. We would get up and get donuts and bagels in Batavia and head to Granny's. We would eat lunch together and Tom would join us for dinner and share games, conversation and laughs together. We also have many memories of spending our vacations in Arizona visiting Grandma.

Christmas Eve's at Grandma and Grandpa's were always a big deal. There was always plenty to eat and family to spend time with. Some of us would even make it to Midnight Mass. I remember the time when Santa (AKA Uncle Bob) stopped by. He didn't come in the traditional Santa way down the chimney, he knocked and came through the front door. Ummm, maybe that's why he didn't fool Rob?

When you walked into Grandma's house be it in Elba, Batavia or Stafford, you could tell she was very proud of her family, as you looked at all the pictures of family she had displayed on her walls. She was also proud of her faith in God and that was displayed as well, but most of all by the angles she collected. How ironic that her three daughters (Ann, Barb and Pat) who predeceased her also collected angels. And now, Grandma has become an angel herself and joined her family in Heaven.

There are so many memories and each of us will cherish them forever. With that said, I have come across a poem that I think would be a good way to end our tribute to Grandma.

Grandma
Thank you for the gift of love
Now you're sharing it up above
You had many things to say
All in a caring way
You always saw good in everyone
No matter what they've done
You were always the one we could all lean on
Even though it must have felt like a ton
You were always the strength of the family
Now we must let you rest calmly
As we say goodbye
As tears roll down our eyes
I know your place in Heaven has a good view
Becasue your telling God 
I need to keep an eye on a few
I know you will always be in our hearts and mind
So Grandma
I must go, but I'll never forget you're one of a kind

Somedays I can't believe your gone. I miss you so much. It doesn't seem like it has been almost a month. I love you GG, always will

Debbie and Kathy
There is a special place for people like you. You cared for your mother and you were with her until the very end. If only we were all so lucky to have daughters like you. Rest In Peace Katie.

Our dearest friends Mike & Sharon,
Please except our deepest sympathy in the loss of your mother. It's never easy to lose a parent.Hope she will be`able to see how hard you both worked getting the house and many other jobs done. What a wonderful son and daughter-in-law she had. May you take comfort in knowing she is at peace with your father and sisters in heaven. Love, your friends, Rita & Tony Sciarabba

Aunt Kack,  You will be missed by all of us.  I have so many fond memories of you both as family and when I worked for you. I don't ever remember a time where you were not laughing and smiling.  I know that you will be looking down on us and still smiling, laughing and shaking your head at us all.  May you go in peace and know that we miss you already and won't forget you ever!

We miss you already - Love you, Howie, Kelly, Josh, Tonya, Hunter, Dylan, Riley and Laura.

You looked beautiful last night and your service was a wonderful tribute to you. You will be back home in New York and laid to rest in a few days. Rest in Peace. You were my friend, my GG and I will always love you.

Aunt Kack and Uncle Mike were my Godparents.  Aunt Kate never forgot my birthday.  I have many, many fond recollections of conversations with her, especially during the years she lived just up the road from Jackie.  Jackie and I will surely miss her - we loved her take on life.  We know without a doubt that she has joined the rest of the clan. God love her.

We know you are smiling down on all of us!!! We love and miss you very much GG! Love Paul,Roxy,Andrew,Sara,Nathan and Brody!!!

Grandma - You will always be in our hearts and lovingly remembered.

To the latest Angel in Heavan. You meant the world to me. My fondest memories are the garage sales you, Mom and I had. Remember the time when Hailee and Jason sat in the driveway "fishing"? You brought so much joy to all of our lives. Your strength, courage, zest for life, and the love and care you gave to all of us. I know that you will be taken good care of in heaven as you are now with Mom, Aunt Pat, Aunt Barb, Grandpa and George. Rest in peace sweet lady until we meet again. I love you! Jackie

Such a beautiful family.  Thank you so much for the picture sharing, loving family. Such an experience and joy growing up and sharing with all the cousins, Aunts and Uncles.  Thank you for the memories. Still cannot phatom, you having so much family up there to greet you. Thank you for sharing your life with me.  God Bless, Aunt Kac.

To Aunt Kack's family, our thoughts and our prayers go out to all of you.  She was fortunate to have such a great family and you such a good Mom.
My fondest memories are when you lived in Batavia and we were sure there were ghosts in your attic upstairs and how we would help ourselves to cupcakes in the freezer.  She must have known but I don't remember her ever scolding.  It always amazed me on how she could keep such a clean house and have everything in its place.
She will be missed by all but is now with the rest of the Coughlin family that has gone before her and I am sure they were there with open arms to welcome her. Our love to all of you!

God has added another angel to his flock. My MOM will be there to greet you. All of us will miss your smile and laugh.My love and sympathy to all of you. Vickie

Grandma - I know the last year or so has been pretty rough.  I am so glad I came to see you in January when you were still good enough to talk and sit outside.  I am going to miss you so much.  Love you always.

Oh GG this wasn't the time for you to die, but I love you. I'm gonna put a kitty cat and a doggy with you, then your gonna look like E.T., you know the movie, when he hides in the toys. I wish I could play play-do with you GG. OK that's it. I love you
Dictated by Lilly Jo to Mommy

Grandma,  You have always been an inspiration to me because of how strong you were.  I always said that mom got her strength from you and I only hope that the strength caries on to me! You will be missed but you are with some wonderful people and you are not suffering any more.  We love you!  Jim, Bonnie, Jimmy, Mathew and Jeffrey Klein - Alexander New York

Aunt Kack:
Got some great memories growing up with ya, I used to love to make you laugh, had a great laugh, I talk to my dad quite often he is one of my angels and now you will be too, and I WILL remind you of that. Thanks kid for a good child hood.

Mike and Sharon,  Our love, sympathy and prayers are with you.  May all your happy memories help sustain you through these difficult days.  Love to all of you
Lyeth and Pat

Debbie and Kathy 
You treated your mother with dignity and respect. Let this give you peace and comfort at this difficult time. Knowing you did everything you could in her last days and being by her side daily will fulfill those empty spaces.

Be Nice Debbie...I hear ya Mom. It's all good your not suffering or in pain anymore. I wish I was there to see the direction you go when the gates open and there's Dad and George... :-) Which way you gonna go Mom. I love you!!!

To Mike, Sharon and family
We want you to know that our love and condolences go out to you all. We know that the wonderful memories you have will be what sustains you in the coming days and weeks.  May the loving arms of God surround you all at this difficult time.

OBITUARY

Katherine Mary Coughlin

August 24, 1920 – August 13, 2011

Valley of the Sun Mortuary & Cemetery

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