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Sera Coryell Obituary

1980 ~ 2011 Sera passed away peacefully in the arms of her parents and sisters Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2011. Unbeknownst to anyone, she bore a silent heart arrhythmia that took her life when an ear infection spiraled out of control (she had been taking immune-suppressing medication for her ulcerative colitis, a burden she carried with grace and humor for years). She was a caring and generous daughter, sister and friend. The number of lives she touched became apparent as her Facebook page swelled with hundreds of prayers, memories, photos and music. Many remember her as a vibrant spirit with a passion for cooking impromptu feasts for her friends. Her parents, Jim and Marcia, remember her amazing intellect and compassion as she helped those around her with an exuberance that was unfazed by her own health issues. Her sisters remember her protectiveness and loyalty. Having grown up in Redding and San Luis Obispo, Sera completed her undergraduate studies at UCSC and then worked in Santa Cruz until she returned to San Luis Obispo in 2010. At the time of her death, she was dedicating her life to becoming a nurse practitioner. She had received top grades in all her nursing school prerequisite classes while also working full time at Central Coast Pediatrics. She leaves us with gentle memories of her kindness, her talents and her exuberance. The Coryell family would like to give heartfelt thanks to Stacy Kolegraff and Dave Gilbert; also to Sammy Fox and other paramedics; Sergeant Janice Goodwin and other peace officers, all of whom responded so quickly to our 911 call. Finally, our deepest heartfelt gratitude is given to the entire wonderful nursing staff at French Hospital ICU, and Officer Cedric Adams. All of you treated Sera, our beloved daughter, with special care and gave comfort to us in our time of need. Sera is survived by her infinitely loving mother and father, Marcia and James Coryell; sisters Alana and Julia Coryell of San Luis Obispo; special grandmothers Marguerite Day of Santa Maria and Patricia Coryell of Milwaukee; adoring aunts, uncles, cousins; childhood friend, Stacy Kolegraff; and honorary nephew, Tyler. Of course, we must mention her sweet kitty, Paichan. In addition, she leaves many dear friends, who brought much joy to Sera''s world as she did to theirs. We were all touched by her light. A memorial celebration of Sera''s life is planned and will be widely announced. In lieu of other gifts of sympathy, all are asked to sustain her legacy by donating to the Sera Day Coryell Fund for Nursing Education. Personal checks can be made to: Sera Day Coryell Fund for Nursing Education, c/o San Luis Obispo County Community Foundation, P.O. Box 1580, San Luis Obispo, CA 93406. Online donations can be made by going to the website of the non-profit San Luis Obispo County Community Foundation at www.sloccf.org

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Luis Obispo County Tribune on Sep. 7, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Sera Coryell

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Janine and Bob Dingler

September 2, 2024

Dearest Jim and Marcia, her radiant smile and kind heart will always be with us.
Love, Janine and Bob

Sherry and John Huff

November 8, 2011

Dear Marcia, Jim and family,
I am so sorry to hear about Sera. I never got to meet her, but she sounds like she was a wonderful young woman. I spoke to my father, David Hagaman, yesterday and he mentioned Marguerite called him and seemed upset which triggered me to investigate. Our love and prayers are with you. Sherry and John Huff

Mary Maloney

October 10, 2011

I am so sorry for your loss. I have never met Sera, however she seems like an amazing daughter and friend to many. I know what great parents you have been because I know Julia and she is a beautiful woman. I pray for your family and know that someday you will see her again. Mary Maloney

Danielle W

September 27, 2011

The coryell's. , Your daughter was a very sweet kind hearted soul . I had only known her a few months but we always had wonderful conversations and she was just always beeming a bright smile when she talked . I am so sorry for your loss , and was shocked to hear such a beautiful soul was taken so early .

September 23, 2011

Jim, Marcia, Alana and Julia; I have been putting off writing this for the past few weeks, as it is so very difficult to find the words to express how broken hearted we are for your family. We know what a treasure Sera was to each one of you. My fondest memory of her was when she had the lead, Lucy, in Redding Christian Schools' production of "The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe". I remember thinking how impressed I was with her poise and confidence at such a young age. I loved her smile. Please know that you have been in our daily thoughts and I am asking the LORD to wrap you in HIS arms and give you comfort. Much love, the REEDERS Bill, Susie, Billie, Beth, Tom and Kathleen

Josie LoCoco

September 20, 2011

To Sera's family and Dave...I can only express to you all the sadness of how you must feel losing this young woman full of life and passion. I had the pleasure of knowing Sera through my daughter Kimberlee and her boyfriend Evan. I still see her smile and can hear her laughter. She will remain in my mind and heart forever young.

sue donaldson

September 18, 2011

Dear Jim and Marcia, I'm so sad for the loss of your beautiful daughter. Our love and prayers are with you. Sue and Mark Donaldson

Marcia Coryell

September 17, 2011

Dearest Sera,
We miss your smile and sweet spirit every minute of the day. Dad, Alana, Julia and I are so proud that you were ours for a little while. We love you more than words could ever express. Fly free beautiful girl! Mom

Carie Anne MacAlpine

September 12, 2011

Dear Dr. Coryell, Marcia, Alana, Julia and family. I am so sorry for your unimaginable loss. Sera's brilliant presence touched us all so deeply as friends and co-workers, I can't imagine the joy she brought to you. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to experience her amazing self. You are in our prayers and thoughts.

September 10, 2011

Dear Jim, Marcia, Alana & Julia, How blessed you all were to have such a beautiful daughter and sister. Sera was equally blessed to have such a loving and caring family. Sera may have left you early but what a gift you all shared. We send our love to you all. Bob, Janine, Ian and Noah Dingler

Susan Moran-Hoover

September 9, 2011

Dr.Coryell and family, please know my heart goes out to all of you. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I also lost my daughter suddenly,who would have been the same age as Sera. Like Sera, she was studying to become an NICU Nurse Practioner. Please know how much I understand the grief you are experiencing. Take care of each other.
Fondly, Susan Moran-Hoover, RN

September 9, 2011

Dr Coryell and Family,
I am so deeply sorry for your loss, and will be keeping you all in my thoughts during this very difficult time. May you find peace and strength in your memories of her.
~Erin Augustine (Brennan and Blake's mom)

Sheree Davis

September 9, 2011

Dear Coryell Family,
I am saddened to hear of your loss. Sera was a student of mine at Cuesta College. As you can imagine, she brought her bright smile and enthusiasm to every class. It was such a pleasure to have known her. She will be missed. My thoughts are with you...

Bob & Kris Yetter

September 9, 2011

Dear Jim and Marcia,
We are so very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time.

Templeton CCP family

September 9, 2011

Coryell Family we've been remembering Sera everyday since the tragedy. Her funny stories and kind heart will always be with us. We are blessed to have known her and spent time with her.

Marieke Kay

September 8, 2011

I will never forget Sera's enduring and contageous spirit. She was a truly great friend throughout the, often tough, years of high school. I feel so blessed to have had her in my life. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family at this time. She will truly be missed.

Emily Smith

September 8, 2011

Dear Jim, Marcia, Alana and Julia ~
I am so sorry for your loss and pray that God will give you strength during this dificult time!
Words cannot express how my heart aches for your family....I have been praying for you all since I first heard Sera was in the hospital and will continue to keep you in my thoughts and prayers!

Colleen Maddox

September 8, 2011

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Wendy Russell

September 7, 2011

My heart aches for your loss...Sera was such a beautiful soul...may you find comfort in your memories. Our families were close so long ago ~ life changes, but I want you to know you are all in my prayers.

Amanda Brown

September 7, 2011

Our thoughts and prayers are with you Dr. Coryell and your family in your time of sorrow. God bless.
Tristan, Carmelo, Belladore, Amanda and Landel.

Wendy Herndon

September 7, 2011

Sera was such a kind and caring person, I am so blessed to have gotten to know her. Jim and Marcia you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Phyllis Brudney

September 7, 2011

I remember Sera so well. She is one of my all-time favorite students. She was so full of life and had such a kind spirit. I loved following her life through her FaceBook postings. The world is a little less of a place without her!

Kim Love

September 7, 2011

Dear Dr. Coryell, I am so very sorry to you and your family for the loss of your beloved Sera. I had just spoken to her for the first time a couple of weeks ago when she helped me so much with Nolan and Colby's medical records transfer. We are thinking of you and your family and are praying for you all.

James & Devin Szydlowski

September 7, 2011

Dr Coryell, you are such a kind person, my heart aches for you and your family! Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers...
The Szydlowski family (Atascadero, CA)

Jan Hicks

September 7, 2011

Dear Coryell Family-

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time.

Jan Hicks

Deb Lotte

September 7, 2011

Dear Marcia and James,
I can't imagine how you must feel right now and I have no words to express the sorrow I feel for your loss. I send you love and will hold you in my heart.

San Gabriel West Rm 32

September 7, 2011

Dear Jim, Marcia, Alana & Julia, We were deeply saddened to hear of Sera's passing. You are all very much in our thoughts and prayers. All of us at San Gabriel West send you our love. Vic, Nancy & Annette

Stella Davis

September 7, 2011

Dr. Coryell and family... I am so sorry for your loss.

Seneca Jacobson

September 7, 2011

Jim and Marcia ~ I am holding you and your family in my heart this morning. Sending prayers and love to you...Seneca (Evan's mom)

September 7, 2011

Dr Coryell and family-Sera sounds like a wonderful person. You are in our thoughts. May you be comforted by your wonderful memories. Hannah Held

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