Mary Cecilia Coleman

Mary Cecilia Coleman, age 97, of Eastham, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on March 25, 2025, in Centerville, Massachusetts. Mary was born on September 7, 1927 to Cyril and Cecilia Pilley in Coventry, England. She received a teaching diploma from Digby-Stuart College of the University of London and taught physical education and music for several years before marrying Denis Coleman. They moved to Montreal and later to the United States.

Mary trained as a classical pianist, and she loved music all her life. Before moving to Cape Cod in 1983, she was active as a solo pianist and in ensembles with singers and instrumentalists in Fairfield County, Connecticut, and was a member of the Silvermine Duo Pianists.

After moving to the Cape she worked as a solo pianist and played with small chamber music groups. She also played for for Cape Cod choirs and church choirs, was a voice studio pianist and pianist for ballet classes, and for many years gave concerts throughout the Cape as part of a piano duo. Her concerts were often in support of charitable causes and fundraising campaigns for the arts.

Mary also loved swimming, gardening, hiking, poetry, and Scottish country dance. Her energy and spirit were indefatigable. “While we are here we should dance” was a quote she had on her wall.

Mary is survived by her brother Richard Pilley of Southampton, England; her daughters Philippa Goodman (Michael Goodman), Susan Coleman (Mark Gill), and Helen Coleman; and her son Robert Coleman. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Stephanie Coleman, and her husbands Denis Coleman and James Gaylord. She will be greatly missed by her nephew and two nieces, four grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.

A gathering will be held at a later date on Cape Cod.