Photo courtesy of Curran-Jones Funeral Home - West Springfield
West Springfield, Massachusetts
Jan 8, 1927 – Oct 30, 2017 (Age 90)
Joan E. Coughlin
1927 – 2017
West Springfield – Joan (Backus) Coughlin, 90, entered into eternal rest on Monday, October 30, surrounded by her loving family. Joan was born in Pittsfield on January 8, 1927, the daughter of Cecil and Isabel (Ruttan) Backus. She was a graduate of West Springfield High School and lived in West Springfield most of her life. In addition to raising her family, Joan was the bookkeeper for Coughlin’s Gulf Station for 30 years and later worked in the business office at H.P. Hood in Agawam for several years. She was married to Bernard J. Coughlin for 42 wonderful years before his passing in 1989. She will be lovingly remembered by her children and their spouses: David & Mary Ann, Bob & Marie, Jim & Barb, Paul & Kathy, Mark & Nancy Coughlin and Mary & John Taskey. She also leaves 14 grandchildren: Tracy, Tom, Lauren, Kevin, Brendan, Neal, Emily, Michael, Roger, Dean, Katherine, Steve, Ryan and Nathan and 7 great-grandchildren: Olivia, Claire, Brynn, Connor, Jack, Colin, and Noah. She leaves her sisters-in-law, Peggy Dow and Barbara Moreau and brother-in-law, John Hogan, as well as many nieces, nephews and friends. Besides her husband, Joan was predeceased by her son, Bernard J. Coughlin Jr., in 1958 and her siblings, Robert Backus, Nancy Hubbartt and Kay Sue Hogan. The family would like to thank Dr. Arminder Singh and his staff, as well as the staff at Holyoke Healthcare Center and O’Connell Care At Home for their compassionate care. The funeral will be held at the West Springfield Curran-Jones Funeral Home Friday at 10:00 am followed by burial in St. Thomas Cemetery. Visiting hours will be held Thursday from 4:00 – 7:00 pm. Joan spent many hours enjoying books on tape and radio news programming provided to those with eyesight impairment. Memorial contributions may be made to Perkin’s Library, 175 North Beacon St., Watertown, MA 02472 or Valley Eye Radio, 44 Hampden St., Springfield MA 01103 so that others may also enjoy these services. For more details please visit curranjones.com.
Read MoreA more genuinely kind,compassionate, sweeter woman has never existed. My heart aches for the entire Coughlin Clan.
David, Bobby, Paul, James, Mark and Mary, surely the passage of time and the treasure of memories you have of your mom will help lessen your loss.
Our Deepest Sympathies,
Tom, Debbie, Amie and Ian
Tom McCarthy
November 03, 2017 | Kapolei, HI
Dave and family. So sorry to hear of you Mothers passing. May all the wonderful memories give you comfort
The Hartford Family
November 02, 2017 | West Springfield, MA
Joan deeply touched our lives and will be remembered as the kindest lady ever. Many happy memories and shared time with us in Florida , especially flying in Jim's plane from Merritt Island to Lantana. Our sympathies and love to the Coughlin family.
Jim and Pat Lynch
(Aunt Peg's Niece)
Jim Lynch
November 02, 2017 | Port Orange, FL
Deepest sympathy, Bob, for the loss of your beautiful mother, whom you resemble strikingly! You and your family were fortunate to have her for 90 years.
Kathy Conway
November 01, 2017
My family loved Joan. She will be remembered for her kindness to all. Such a grand lady. We will truly miss her.
Carol Fox
November 01, 2017 | Enfield
My condolences to the entire Coughlin family! Bob and Marie, you and the kids are in my prayers. My Mom recently passed, but lives on with me. Cherish the memories!
Tim Murphy
November 01, 2017 | East Longmeadow, MA
Sincere condolences to the Coughlin family on the passing of Mrs. Coughlin. She was truly a wonderful person.
Neil Brown
November 01, 2017 | Springfield, MA