Mayté M. Coghlan

In Loving Memory of Maria Isabel Mayté Montero van Rysselberghe Coghlan

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Mayté M. Coghlan, lovingly known to her sons simply as "Mamita," in Mountain Brook, Alabama. Her life was a tapestry of grace, intellect, and quiet strength, woven with love and dedication to those around her.

Born in Santiago, Chile, Mayté carried the spirit of her city in everything she did-cultured, vibrant, and deeply rooted in family and tradition. She was known for her warmth, her eloquence, and her unwavering kindness and generosity. Her presence brought comfort, and her words carried wisdom, and her cooking skills brought happiness and enjoyment to those who visited.

Mayté was preceded in death by her loving husband, Dr. Cecil Coghlan; her mother, Yvonne van Rysselberghe Martinez Montero; father, Dr. Antonio Montero Carvallo; brothers Dr. Maximillian Montero van Rysselberghe and Sergio Montero van Rysselberghe; sister, Sonya Montero van Rysselberghe, and her two infant sons.

Mayté is survived by her loving brother-in-law Eric Leslie Coghlan of Santiago, Chile; sons Cecil Leslie Coghlan, PhD, and Harold Anthony Coghlan (Patricia) of Birmingham, AL, Michael Edward Coghlan, M.D., of Columbus, MS, and Anthony Richard Coghlan (Theresa) of Reston, VA; seven grandchildren: J. Michelle Coghlan (Purcell) (Nick) of Manchester, England, Amina Maria Stephanie Coghlan Benjelloun of Rabat, Morocco; Andrew F. Coghlan of Abilene, TX; Aiden T. Gabriel Coghlan of Birmingham, AL; Cecilia Elizabeth Billings and Torin Davis Cecil Cook Coghlan of Reston, VA; and Douglas Cecil Coghlan of London, England; two great-grandchildren William Patrick Morris Purcell and Estelle Sylvia Rebecca Purcell of Manchester, England; former daughter-in-law Martha Corretti (Coghlan) and many nieces, nephews and grand-nieces and nephews.

She moved from her native Chile to Birmingham first from 1957-1961 and then permanently in 1973 with Cecil, the love of her life for more than 58 years. Mayté studied Ballet and classical piano growing up and was fluent in Spanish, French, and English. Devoted to her loving husband, Cecil, a loving mother to her boys, a beloved daughter, sister and aunt, and the abiding matriarch of the family. She relished traveling the world with Cecil and accompanying him to various events. With effortless elegance and grace, these experiences often brought her in contact with dignitaries and even Royals including HRH Queen Elizabeth II and HRH Prince Philip. She never met a stranger and always greeted you with a smile and either a hug or an outreached hand.

Mayté was a lifelong supporter of the arts and culture, especially the Alabama Symphony Orchestra, the Birmingham Museum of Art, the Alabama Ballet, the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, the Birmingham Zoo, the University of Alabama at Birmingham, the American Heart Association, and many other charities and organizations.

Mayté's legacy lives on through the lives she touched. In her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her, she left an indelible mark of compassion and dignity. Remembered not only for life's accomplishments, but for who she was: a woman of depth, elegance, and enduring love.

There will be a celebration of life August 25, at 11:00 a.m., with visitation preceding it at 10:00 a.m. at St Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 2 Xavier Circle, Birmingham, Alabama 35213. The family invites guests to join them for lunch afterwards in the parish hall.

In lieu of flowers, to honor Mayté's generous spirit, please consider a donation to St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, the Alabama Symphony Orchestra, or the Birmingham Botanical Gardens.