Carol Jane (Geddes, Gurin) Coakley
Carol Jane (Geddes, Gurin) Coakley of Southold, N.Y., formerly of Upper Montclair, N.J., passed away peacefully April 10, 2019, from primary progressive aphasia/dementia in Danvers, Mass., where she had been living in memory care for the past year.
Born Aug. 5, 1940, in Philadelphia, Pa., to her parents, Thomas and Katherine (Lois) Geddes, Carol grew up in Upper Darby, Pa. and graduated from Upper Darby High School.
Carol worked for many years as both a secretary and legal secretary and lived in many different states during her lifetime, including Hawaii. After falling in love with the East End of Long Island, she and her second husband, Edward, along with her daughter and son-in-law, were the founders and owners of the North Fork Bagel Cafe in Mattituck, N.Y. A successful endeavor, they eventually sold the business which continues on today. For her next act, Carol became a licensed real estate broker and property manager.
Carol was an incomparable storyteller. Everyone who knew and loved her can recall many hilarious Carol tales. An avid reader, Carol could often be found devouring several books at one time. She was happiest, however, out in nature. A skilled gardener and passionate birder, Carol was always outside. She ran the New York City Marathon in 1980 and enjoyed daily walks throughout her life. An active member of the North Fork Audubon Society, Carol cared deeply about protecting the environment. A fabulous cook, Carol appreciated a great meal — especially if it included bacon and could be washed down with an ice-cold beer! However, spoiling her beloved grandchildren and pets brought her the most joy of all.
She leaves behind her husband, Edward Coakley; her daughter and son-in-law Amy and Alan Hertz; grandchildren Jack and Kate Hertz of Marblehead, Mass.; her son and daughter-in-law, Hugh and Phoebe Gurin of San Francisco, Calif.; her stepchildren and their children Ken and Mickey Coakley (Corinne and Cate), Andrew and Kim Coakley, Kim Coakley DeBoyace (Jack, McKenna, Wyatt, Allison); her sisters Joan Geddes and Gwendolyn Lowe; three nieces; two nephews; and grand-nieces and nephews.
She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.
Special thanks to the kind and caring staff at Seasons of Danvers and Care Dimensions.
Funeral services in New York will be private. Memorial donations may be made to North Fork Audubon Society, P.O. Box 973, Mattituck, NY 11952-0973 and/or Alzheimer’s Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011.
This is a paid notice.
