Judy Coughlin Obituary, Death – Judith Ann Coughlin (née Whitaker), a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, friend, and advocate for families coping with childhood cancer, passed away on November 2, 2022. She was 77 years old. Judith Ann Coughlin was a Whitaker. Judy was the center of her family’s universe. She was the confidante, the advisor, the negotiator, the chief financial officer, the chef, the chauffeur, and the fan; however, the roles that she held that were the most important were those of mother and grandmother. Judy was never one to seek the spotlight, but the combination of her warm and loving demeanor and her stunning smile made it impossible for her to avoid becoming the focus of people’s attention. Because our family moved quite a bit, Judy was able to quickly make friends with the new neighbors wherever we settled down. She was a driving force in the neighborhood toward love and well-being for all. Everyone who came through our door was greeted with a warm embrace and a kiss or hug before they were allowed to leave.
Our door was always open for anyone who wanted to stop by for a cup of coffee or an ear to listen. When we moved out of the neighborhood, our neighbors were always upset to see her go, but they hardly ever acknowledged that she was married. Everyone had a lot of affection for Judy, and they all shed tears when she had to leave. The magnitude of her absence is indescribable, but the tremendous amount of compassion and thoughtfulness she displayed toward other people will live on forever. Our hearts are shattered, but we have peace in knowing that she is finally free from the anguish she endured. Judy, who fought progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) for a very long time and with great bravery, has finally found peace and is now in the arms of our Lord.
Judy is survived by her husband of 55 years, Tom Coughlin; their four children and their spouses: Keli and Chris Joyce, Tim and Andrea Coughlin, Brian and Susie Coughlin, and Kate and Chris Snee; 12 grandchildren: Emma, Dylan, Shea, Cooper, Caroline, Marin, Wesley, Brennon, Clara, Walker, and Hartley; and one sister, Sandy Estep. Judy is also survived by her older sister, Sandy Estep. Her parents, Paul and Eleanor, passed away before she did, and she never saw them again. On Thursday, November 10, at 11 a.m., the Funeral Mass will be held in the St. Paul’s Catholic Church located in Jacksonville Beach, Florida, and a reception will immediately follow. At a later time, Judy will be laid to rest in her hometown of Waterloo, New York, in a private ceremony. In lieu of sending flowers, the family requests that you remember Judy by making a contribution to the Tom Coughlin Jay Fund Foundation in her honor. Judy was one of the foundation’s original co-founders.