I worked under Dr. Coughlin in the mid 90's at Western Albemarle. I had so much respect for her as a person. She was a very classy and intelligent leader who influenced anyone she came in contact with. I can honestly say she was the best administrator I ever encountered in education.

I just learned of Anne's passing today. I am heartbroken. Anne was a mentor, a friend, a supporter, a cheerleader - an all around awesome woman. I learned so much from her while I served as assistant principal at Western Albemarle High School. She was so intelligent, witty, quick, sharpe, thoughtful and compassionate. Her children, Michael and Joseph were kind and humorous. I enjoyed the time I spent with her, her husband, mother-in-law and family.  Such a wonderful family. My sincere condolences to the family and my heartfelt prayers that she will rest in peace and that her legacy will live on in the many lives that she deeply touched - including my own. I love you Anne. Prayers for your family. Alison

Anne was a high school friend.  Her intelligence, wit and drive were evident even then so I am not surprised by her accomplishments.  I am saddened by her experience with Alzheimer's.  Her family and friends have my deepest sympathies.     

Anne was an exemplary educator, respected by all who worked with her.  Her commitment to excellence in education is unparalleled.  But what I most remember about Anne is her love for her family.  She was so proud of Michael and Joseph and Lloyd was the love of her life.  
Anne, thank you for all that you did for your students and colleagues.  You will be deeply missed.
Diane Ippolito 

Anne Coughlin was simply the gold standard of educators and educational leaders. She was so intelligent,  judicious and thoughtful. As a parent of four WAHS students, I was lucky to get to know Anne during her years as Principal. I know first hand how she managed to listen to both students and parents and support her faculty. She never compromised anyone or herself. I am grateful to all she gave to my family, to WAHS and  to the greater Albemarle County educational system.  Anne Coughlin exemplified a life very well lived and very much admired. 

Anne stands out as the best principal for whom I ever worked, in a field of 15 or so!  She garnered the respect of all those she guided, from staff to students and parents.  Her intelligence combined with her wit and genuine concern for the welfare of others made her very special.  Anne was able to lead by example, never losing her calm demeanor and always considering differing viewpoints before making decisions.  She chose what was best for the whole community.  Anne had the rare combination of grace coupled with intelligence, grace and grit.   She made the world a better place.

Dr Coughlin was the kindest principal I ever knew. I was a senior at Western and while I was only there for one year from 2005-2006, she made me feel welcome and loved. Her smile alone would melt away all my anxieties about being the new kid. I still remember her explaining how to say her name, like a cough, to my mother and having a laugh about it. She is dearly missed. I am so grateful to have known her. 

Anne hired me as WAHS librarian in 1994  and was a truly inspiring leader. She made Department Chair meetings both fun and meaningful. She really listened to teachers’ concerns and did her best to solve the problems we raised. She always advocated for WAHS and made it a great place to work. Her love for the students, teachers, and education was unbeatable. She made WAHS a great school, both socially and academically. ❤️❤️

Anne was a great educator and friend.  Most of all she was a great mentor.  Much of what I know about being a administrator came from working with Anne at Western Albemarle High School.  I have many great memories of working with and learning from her.  My thoughts and prayers go out to Lloyd, Michael, Joseph and the entire family.  

Dear Lloyd and family,
Anne figures into some of my best memories of the University of Michigan.  Living across the hall from her in the dorm was a treat, and I felt privileged to be asked to come and sing at your wedding.  
Mel and I were deeply saddened to hear both of her passing and the struggles you must have endured with that disease.   Sending our love and prayers.



I attended WAHS when she was a principal she always took the time to talk to us. When my father became ill with dementia she took the time to check on me even when I was in class. She will be greatly missed. R.I.P.  Dr. Anne Coughlin. 

I was a secretary at WAHS.  Dr. Coughlin always amazed me in her ability to remember almost all of the  students'  names.  She always had a kind word for everyone.  She also had the "eagle glare" that could bring any of us to our knees if we did not act according to school regulations.  She was definitely the greatest person I ever had the pleasure to work for.

Anne’s commitment to Western’s  faculty, staff and students was inspiring, and that, in turn, inspired us to be as caring, patient and hard-working as she. She had a knack for sensing that a student was troubled and would invariably stop to speak quietly and warmly in an effort to make matters better. She supported her teachers’ goals and listened to our frustrations, offering wise advice from her own career. And she was fun! I still miss the twinkle in her eye when she told a story and the way she would hit the M&Ms during a meeting that was running too long. Working with her during her years as a teacher and administrator at Western was the highlight of my own career.

Anne's legacy is so wide and deep.  She touched thousands with her kindness, wit, humor, and caring.   And, she always telegraphed her honesty-- I remember how her neck would redden when angry, and how she would laugh when pleased. To honor her memory I hope to "Be like Anne."

Anne led with such style and grace.  Her thoughtful gaze and calm demeanor were infectious, and her ability to communicate effectively with colleagues, parents, and students a model for all.  She was an admirable person and fine educator, and I feel fortunate to have crossed paths with her.

I worked with Anne when I was in Albemarle School’s Central Office.  There wasn’t a nicer person around.  Her knowledge, patience and sense of humor were great.  I’ve thought of her often.  My deepest condolences and prayers.  Rest In Peace, Anne.  

Anne was the first administrator I worked for at Western Albemarle High School.   I will always remember the time she took to invest in my development as a teacher.  She is the model educator that I still draw on to this day.

I'm sad to hear of Anne's passing, but have so many positive memories of her and have been enriched by having known her.  She will be remembered as someone who always maintained a level of dignity and wisdom combined with good-natured fun.  The lives she touched and people she influenced during her career are a great legacy.

There was no better educator anywhere - principal, teacher, mentor - than Dr. Anne Coughlin. She touched the lives of many, teens, parents, and staff, and her legacy lives on in our school community. I am thankful I knew Anne. Her wisdom, humor, and tenacity are legendary. And, I am grateful that I had the chance to work with her. 

OBITUARY

Anne Gill Coughlin

November 16, 1946 – June 16, 2018

Woody Funeral Home-Parham

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