Madeleine Coughlin

Coughlin, Madeleine

Madeleine Gabrielle Noelie Dupuy Coughlin, age 83 of Jacksonville, Fl passed away peacefully on Monday, February 1st, 2010. A celebration of her life will be held for family members only.

Mrs. Coughlin was born in Marseilles, France in 1926 and married her lifelong love, the late Maj. John Francis Coughlin (Army, USAR-Infantry) in 1946 in France, where he was serving during and following World War II. Following their marriage, they lived in France, Turkey, New Jersey, California, North Carolina, Louisiana, and a number of other states as Major Coughlin concluded a military service career of over 20 years until his retirement in 1962. They moved to Atlanta, Ga. in 1963 and to Jacksonville in 1983. They were married for more than 52 years until his death in 1998.

Mrs. Coughlin worked throughout her life, as a switchboard operator, Buyer and Assistant Manager with Rich's department store in Atlanta, Ga., Taxpayer Assistance Specialist with the IRS in Atlanta and Jacksonville, and as a cashier with Entenmann's and Pepperidge Farm in Jacksonville. "Mom loved to work and was actually employed until she was 78," said her daughter, Linda Romanyszyn, of Yellow Springs, Ohio. "I also remember her being a volunteer in a number of organizations," she said. "She was a Red Cross Gray Lady, PTA leader, elementary school French language teacher, and an active member of the Mandarin (Fl.) garden club, and she was an outspoken, lifelong activist for animal rights and care."

Madeleine enjoyed swimming, hiking, dancing, and card and board games of all kinds. "She was always an inspiration to my friends," said her son, Dennis Coughlin, of Decatur, Ga. "Into her late 60's, she would swim the fastest, hike the farthest, and play the longest. She had a sense of humor and a laugh that were just contagious and irresistible."

Madeleine was a prolific reader and an outstanding cook. "Growing up, there never seemed to be enough money," said her son, "but she always pledged that we would eat well, and we always did. She could cook every style, Italian, French, Chinese, Southern, or you name it."

"We will miss her so much," said her daughter. "She brought us up to be tough and self-reliant, and for that, we will always be grateful."

In addition to her daughter and son, Madeleine is survived by her daughter in law, Lynne Coughlin, of Decatur, Ga., four grandchildren, Adrian Romanyszyn and Nicole Romanyszyn, both residing in San Diego, Ca. and Spencer Coughlin and Kevin Coughlin, both residing in Knoxville, Tn., and one great-grandchild, Seth Romanyszyn, residing in San Antonio, Tx.

The family requests that donations be made in lieu of flowers, to the Alzheimer's Association or to the Humane Society of the United States.

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