Suzanne Trego Coale

Suzanne Trego Coale, 86, of Matthews, NC passed away peacefully at home on February 26, 2025. Suzanne was born to Gilbert and Alice Trego in Olney, MD on May 29, 1938.
Suzanne graduated from high school in Bel Air, Maryland and enrolled at the University of Maryland, where she fell in love with Jim Coale. Suzanne and Jim married and began a 22-year adventure with the U.S. Marine Corps. Their service took them to North Carolina, Virginia, California, and overseas to Japan. Suzanne ran the household during Jim's three unaccompanied overseas assignments, lasting up to 15 months each time. Following military service, Suzanne and Jim settled in Irmo, SC, where they lived for 30 years. Suzanne rejoined the workforce and retired after many years of public service with the Lexington County Public School system. She also pursued her passions for singing in a choir, reading with a devoted book club, learning flower arranging, and enjoying the company of dear friends. Later, Suzanne and Jim moved to Sun City in South Carolina and were an active part of their grandchildren's lives, attending countless sporting events, birthday parties, and school programs.
After Jim's death, Suzanne moved to Windsor Run in Matthews, NC where she developed a great community while continuing to stay actively engaged with her growing family. She loved attending music events and playing card games. Suzanne was an active member of Saint Margaret's Episcopal Church, serving many years in the Daughters of the King. Suzanne's greatest legacy is a loving, close-knit family – her three children, eight grandsons, and three great grandchildren. She is remembered fondly by her grandchildren for "Oma Camp," organized each summer at her home, with an activity-packed itinerary. Second only to her family, Suzanne's passion was travel, including an African safari, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, Machu Picchu in Peru, and the Galapagos Islands. She will also be remembered for her colorful wardrobe, evolving hairstyles, and white-rimmed sunglasses. Suzanne is survived by her children Scott (Peggy), Stuart (Melissa), and Elizabeth Chase (John); grandchildren Daniel (Kelly), Philip (Rebecca), Chase, Austin, Alex, Coale, James, and Burke; great grandchildren Oliver, Henry, and Ruby; and sister-in-law Irene Trego.
A funeral service will be held March 8, 11:00 a.m. at Saint Margaret's Episcopal Church in Waxhaw, NC. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Suzanne's name to the National Park Conservation Association.