"Dear Coffey Family,My thoughts are with you on the loss of your gracious and kind mother. I can remember running in and out of her house as Kathi and I played, imagined and adventured our childhood years together. For us, Mrs. Coffee always had a smile and a roll of the eyes to whoever was near; you just knew she was enjoying herself despite the work of raising 5 children. Which turned out to be an advantage, because when faced with a decision if Kathi could go somewhere (or not), a snap decision was necessary. She usually had to run down the list of kids ("Ah...Caro, Patti, Bobb.....Kathi!!) By that time, we'd be out the door."
In loving memory of
Barbara Coffey
September 9, 2019
Barbara Bruno Coffey, 98, of Bayview Park, Middletown passed away, peacefully, September 9, 2019 with her family by her side. She was the wife of the late William J Coffey. Barbara was born in Newport, RI November 23, 1920, to the late George and Esther Bruno.
Barbara married William Joseph Coffey in June 1942 and soon after started their family and were blessed to have 5 children. Barbara was a stay at home mom, active in her childrens school and extracurricular activities. She loved spending days at the beach, bowling, card games, coloring and family vacations. After Bills passing in 1974 Barbara began her career in the retail industry, most notably Tilden and Thurber Jewelers.
Family was her passion and she was happiest when she was surrounded by her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She delighted herself with their hugs and kisses and sharing time with them at birthdays, cookouts, holidays and family vacations.
In her older years Barbara enjoyed reading, reruns of Lawrence Welk and her favorite TV show, Dancing with the Stars. Barbara was a member of the Middletown Senior Center and where she loved her time spent with friends, especially on Bingo days.
Barbara is survived by her children, Michael Coffey (Melody) of Middletown, Carol Cordeiro of Hallsville, TX, Barbara Kosegarten and Kathleen Pilotte (Ron) all of Newport, and son-in-law Bruce Fay of Portsmouth, 13 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. In addition to her husband Bill, Barbara was predeceased by her daughter Patricia Fay, sons-in-law Raymond Cordeiro and Christopher Kosegarten and grandson Heath Cordeiro.
The family would like to thank our extended sisters for the loving care and support of our Mom enabling us to keep her home, happy and well loved for the majority of her 98 years. Tina, Sherry, Sue, Carol, Meagan, and Patty. In addition, we would also like to thank the staff and our new friends at the Grand Islander Center for their loving care and compassion for Mom as well as for us, her children.
Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, September 12, 2019, from 5:00-7:00PM, at the Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, September 13, 2019, at 10:00AM, in St. Marys Catholic Church, Spring Street, Newport. Her burial will follow at St. Columba Catholic Cemetery, Browns Lane, Middletown.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Patti Fay Fund, care of Hathaway School, Portsmouth, RI.
Tributes
"Dear Coffey Family,Our deepest sympathy to all on the passing of Barbara. Traci and Kim have always remembered "Coffey Nanny" from Kay Street and have kept her in their hearts and thoughts.Sincerely,Art & Gisele Napolitano"
"I bowled with Barbara many years ago -she was great -I was not --she was a lot of fun --she was always so sweet and so nice -it was wonderful to know her- may she r.i.p."
"We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. May she rest in peace."
"Mrs. Coffey, a beautiful lady full of love and class.Lived next to my mother for several years and was ever so gracious.May God Bless her family.with peace and blessings"
"Mrs. Coffey, a beautiful, gracious and sweet woman. I know you will be missed. My sincere sympathy to her family."
"I am so sorry for your loss, she was such a elegant and wonderful person.."
"My deepest condolences to the family,Mrs Coffey was a special lady who l had the pleasure of meeting ,l.met her at Bingo and we became friends may you rest in peace my friend God Bless "
"J.L., Michelle & I are so sorry to hear of the passing of your Aunt Barbara. From what we have learned about Barbara from you, and watching her Video Tribute we can tell she was a remarkable Lady, always surrounded by her loving Family & Friends. May we wish you and Barbara's Family our deepest Sympathy, Barbara will be in our Prayers."
"I met and worked with Barbara at Tilden-Thurber not too long after her beloved Bill passed away. I was a youngster of 18 and she and Pat Betty took me in as one of their own. We had so much fun working together and they were both so wonderful to me. While I was working there Pat's husband died suddenly and these two women taught me the importance of being there for a friend, compassion and grace. I always felt as if I knew all of Barbara's children by the way she spoke about them and her face just lit up when she did. You could tell that they were the light of her life. Barbara was elegant, loving, fun and an all around wonderful person. I am so glad that you all had her in your life for so long. She will always be remembered by me in the most wonderful way. Rest In peace, Barbara, I know your reunion with Bill was worth waiting for! All my love to the whole Coffee family XO"
"My sincere condolences to the Coffey family, the video shows how deeply you all loved her. I have known Mrs Coffey for most of my life, having started school with Carol and having met most of the family over the years. She was such a wonderful lady it was always a pleasure to meet up with her. May your cherished memories be a comfort to you in the days ahead."
"Mrs Coffee was a wonderful person with a great a great sense of humor. I was blessed to have known her."
"Mrs Coffey was one of the sweetest customers I ever had the pleasure to meet , always a smile and happy conversations , my deepest condolences to Bobby and family."
"ON BEHALF OF ANOTHER COLLECTOR AT St AUGUSTIN'S, I WAS LOOKING FORWARD TO SATURDAY'S MASS AND THE FOLLOWING DAY. THIS IS ANOTHER SETBACK FOR ME THIS SUMMER. I PROMISE TO DO WHAT I CAN!WHAT A LADY; WHAT A FAMILY! MAY GOD HOLD HER AND ALL THE BRUNO-COFFEY FAMILY IN THE HALLOW OF HIS HAND."