Jean Coffamn Elcan

ELCAN, Jean Coffman passed away peacefully on May __, 2013. Born in Richmond, Virginia, on January 8, 1931, she is predeceased by her parents, Ray and Clara Coffman; brother, James Edwin Coffman; husband, Dr. Paul Dillard Elcan; daughter, Lisa Elcan Bruner; and grandson, Paul Elcan Healy. In 1948, Jean graduated with honors from Central High School in Memphis, Tennessee. She continued her education at Vanderbilt University where she was a cheerleader and studied physics under Dr. Francis Slack who worked with the Manhattan Project. In 1952, Jean married Paul Elcan. Over the course of the next twenty years, they were blessed with ten children. An intelligent woman and devoted mother, Jean enjoyed a full life, displaying immense energy, faith, and optimism which served her well during life’s challenges, including Alzheimer’s. In addition to caring for her family, she was a cherished friend and tireless volunteer for St. Henry’s Church, serving on numerous committees as well as coordinating parish functions. She was an early recipient of the Henrietta Award in recognition of the many hours she gave the church. Some of these hours were spent at the “Room in the Inn” program which provides meals and shelter for the homeless. Her compassion for those less fortunate was fostered during the Great Depression, working side by side with her Grandmother Noel, feeding and caring for those in need. A long-time employee of McClure’s Department Store, Jean’s easy smile and genuine interest in others was a much valued asset. Moreover, Jean was an outdoor enthusiast. She was an avid tennis player and particularly enjoyed walking with her family and friends in Edwin Warner Park. Jean is survived by her younger brother, Daniel Coffman (Blanche) of Jacksonville, FL and his family, her nine surviving children, twenty-five grandchildren, and two great grandchildren. Her children Rhea Forte (Bill), Dan Elcan (Jamie), Claire Gillespie (Steve), Joe Elcan, Mary May (Bill), Chuck Elcan (Trisha), Tricia Healy (David), Susan Farrell (Jim) and Cal Elcan (Pamela), as well as their families, meant everything to her. She was the source of life and inspiration to them and will be greatly missed. The Elcan family would like to express their gratitude to Carol Plemmons for the loving/compassionate care she provided Jean during the last three years of her life. Visitation will be held at St. Henry Catholic Church, 6401 Harding Road, on Monday, the 27th of May, 2013 from four until seven o’clock in the afternoon. A funeral mass will be held at one-thirty in the afternoon Tuesday, the 28th of May, 2013 also at St. Henry. Internment to follow at Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions to the Lisa Elcan Bruner scholarship fund at Saint Cecilia Academy.