Mary Louise ‘Penny’ Coyle

Mary Louise “Penny” Coyle, a lifelong resident of Greenport, died Friday, Aug. 24, at Brookhaven Hospital.  She was 77.

The daughter of Ruth (Grathwohl) and Frank “Sparky” Coyle, Penny was born in Greenport Jan. 13, 1941. She graduated from Greenport High School in 1958. She attended SUNY Oneonta, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in education in 1962, and received a master’s degree from Hofstra University in 1966. She taught in Huntington, Greenport and finally in Southampton, as Southampton High School’s summer principal.

Penny was a Greenporter through and through and a beloved, dynamic and valued member of the community. Always a whirlwind of energy, she was active in the blood drive and the Retired Teachers’ Association and was a deacon at First Presbyterian Church of Southold.

She enjoyed traveling; England, particularly Stonehenge, was a favorite destination. Stateside, she loved a good yard sale and bargaining for new treasures. She was also a die-hard Mets fan and never missed a game.

Penny was generous to a fault and always happiest helping others. She tutored generations of students and remained in touch with many of them. She is survived by her loving family, many cousins and a host of friends and neighbors.

The family will receive friends Friday, Aug. 31, from 4 to 7 p.m. at  DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home in Southold.

Funeral services will be held Saturday morning, Sept. 1, at 10 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Southold, officiated by the Rev. Dr. Peter Kelley.

Interment will follow at Sterling Cemetery in Greenport.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to North Fork Animal Welfare League in Southold.

This is a paid notice.