Joan Coffey

September 15, 1949 - May 21, 2025

The world lost one of its brightest, boldest, and most fiercely loving souls with the passing of Joan Ellen Coffey on May 21, 2025. She was surrounded by her family when she passed peacefully in her home.

Born on September 15, 1949, she spent her 75 years lighting up the classroom, and comforting homes and sewing groups alike with her signature mix of wisdom, wit, and warmth. She married the love of her life, Harold Coffey, on a warm August day in Rye, NY in 1971,and from that day forward they were a team through every chapter that included welcoming three children into the world, living in New York, Oregon, Hong Kong, and Kentucky, and spending a significant amount of time in the Boston area where she had extended family.

She earned degrees in mathematics, teaching, and a masters degree in computer science - because of course she did. She believed in the power of education, which she demonstrated every day as a dedicated teacher who saw potential in every student, even when they couldn’t yet see it themselves. Her chalkboards were full of mathematical formulas, yes, but her classrooms were also filled with laughter, life lessons, and the occasional sarcastic quip.

Teaching was not her only passion. With an inherent intellectual curiosity and hunger for adventure, she dreamed of exploring the world. She traveled through 48 states, mostly by car, and visited over 40 countries, always seeking new experiences and introductions to new cultures. Whether it was walking through ancient ruins, exploring hidden villages, or trying to converse in different languages she didn’t understand, she tackled every adventure with curiosity and courage. Her family are grateful to have shared many of these experiences at her side, and her children are so grateful to her for instilling a deep enthusiasm for learning about all facets of life.

Beyond the classroom, she was a loving wife for 53 years to Harold Coffey, her husband who survives her, and an extraordinary mother to three children: Jennifer, David, and Peter who will continue to live a better life because of her. Moreover, she was a proud grandmother to five. She welcomed two daughters-in-law and one son-in-law into her family with open arms and a great sense of humor that made them all feel right at home.

When she wasn’t grading papers or mentoring minds, she stitched beauty into the world - quite literally - as a passionate quilter. Her quilts were not only works of art but also love letters made of fabric, each one a reflection of her care, creativity, and persistence. Her quilts have been on display at museums and art exhibits, and will remain cherished by her family as every stitch was done with Joan’s endless patience and love.

She taught her children to tackle life’s problems head-on, to have confidence and a sense of humor in the face of difficulty, and to always strive to make a positive imprint on the world. She lived her life in the service of others, supporting her husband, uplifting her students, cheering on her children, and always finding the silver lining in the chaos. Without question, she made this world a better place. She will be deeply missed and there are so many people who are better humans for having known her.

In her honor, we ask you to do what she would’ve done: be kind, stay curious, help someone who needs it, have the strength to defend the underdog when it’s right to do so, and never underestimate the power of a strong cup of coffee, or a great glass of white wine, and laughter.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the ASPCA, Feeding Westchester, and St. Judes.

Joan’s wake will be held on Thursday May 29th from 4:00-8:00 p.m. at Edward F. Carter Funeral Home at 41 Grand Street, Croton-on-Hudson, NY (914) 271-4882.

Joan’s funeral mass will be held on Friday May 30th from 10:00 a.m. at Holy Name of Mary Church at 114 Grand Street, Croton-on-Hudson, NY.