Andrea Lee (Purcell) Coglon

Born in Yakima on December 26, 1940, to Hiram and Rachel Purcell (Coffee), and passed away peacefully after a six-and-a-half year battle with breast cancer on June 6, 2015. She was a fiercely intelligent and independent woman; a voracious reader and bibliophile; and most of all, a wonderful and loving mother, grandmother, and friend.

Andrea came to Seattle to finish her education at the University of Washington. After earning her Bachelor's degree in English and Master's in Education, she began teaching, a career she considered her avocation. Her first positions were in Seattle and Bellevue, then finally in the Edmonds School District, where she taught for more than two decades at Lynnwood High School. Andrea was an outspoken, well-respected, and beloved teacher who always thought about what was best for her students.

She was married to Ronald Coglon of Yakima from 1965-1985, and they had two sons, Matthew and Andrew. Even as a working mother with a busy social calendar, she made time for activities and causes that were dear to her heart. In addition to regularly donating to charities supporting animal welfare, food banks, and the environment, every year (including this past spring) she helped organize and grow sedums for a plant sale that funds a Lynnwood High scholarship. Given her green thumb, she took particular pride in this annual project. Andrea had transformed the grass yards surrounding her home into lovely, lush English gardens that she enjoyed tending to year-round. Pets were also a significant part of her life, as she was a devoted and lifelong cat owner. She constantly took in strays and rescue cats, and never turned away a hungry animal that appeared on her doorstep.

During her later years, she kept active and fit, and played in women's recreational soccer leagues for more than 20 years. She was an avid local sports fan, supporting Husky football and the Seattle Sounders as a season ticket holder. Andrea also began traveling regularly, visiting Europe and Hawaii several times, as well as Japan and South America. She especially enjoyed the delicious cuisines she sampled on these trips, and often spoke fondly of her favorite meals.

She is survived by her two sons Matthew (Theresa) and Andrew (Robyn), grandchildren Aidan and Claire, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her sister Norma Morrow of Yakima. Cremation services were provided by The Co-Op Funeral Home of People's Memorial. Per her request, her ashes will be dispersed at several locations in Washington State. A private memorial will be held at a later date. Remembrances can be made to the Andrea Coglon Memorial Scholarship fund at Lynnwood High School, 18218 North Road, Bothell, WA 98012. Checks should be made out to the Foundation for Edmonds School District.

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Published by The Seattle Times on Jul. 19, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Andrea Coglon

Sponsored by The Family.

34 Entries

Gary McNeil

Planted Trees

Judy Tsoukalas

March 29, 2021

Andrea Coglon worked with me at LHS. She saved my son's life back in the 90's. I loved her. Memory Eternal.

Rebecca Gadd Reynolds

September 16, 2015

Every student should have a teacher as warm yet chill as Ms. Coglon. I am grateful to have had that privilege.

September 16, 2015

By far, the best teacher I ever had. I had her first period but she knew I was in school and had to work full time so I never got sleep. She gave me my home work at the end of class (because I fell asleep again) and would tell me that she was proud that I wouldn't give up. When I (barely) graduated, she had tears in her eyes and told me she knew I could do it. She was the ONLY teacher who believed in me. I am honored that I was a student of hers.

Jennifer Jenson

September 16, 2015

Ms. Coglin was the first person who inspired me to major in English. I then went on to a master's degree and now teach Freshman Composition at a local university. Her obvious love for language and literature, and her caring and professional demeanor were wonderful examples. Rest in peace. Job well done, Ms Coglin.

Shanon Bailey

September 16, 2015

You and that red pen of yours. Thank you for introducing me to Bob Frost. I can still picture Mel Gibson adorning your classroom walls. You truly cared and were loved by all. You were one of the greatest! Missing you.

Kathi Hubert-Goodpaster

September 15, 2015

You inspired me so much!!! I think of you every time I see/hear anything about Mel Gibson in Mad Max Thunderdome. God be with you til we meet again.

Pamela Keese

August 2, 2015

Oh Andrea You were such an amazing person!! Never have I know a teacher who loved her students like you did. We were friends, co-workers and you also had both my girls in your class I will love you forever. "Life is Good" Love you to the moon and back dear lady

natalie james

July 22, 2015

One of my favourite English teachers. A real spitfire with a kind heart. Hilarious, fun and also fair to all her students. You will always be remembered Ms.Coglin!

Laurel Gerla

July 20, 2015

Saddened to hear of Andrea's passing. She was one of an "elite" crew, The Plain Girls! What a good time we all had. Thinking of how many lives she touched over the years. Teaching was her calling. Love you friend.

Ali (Jacobson) Copeland

July 20, 2015

She was an amazing woman and teacher, she loved her students and poured out so much love on them. It makes me sad to know that such an incredible woman has passed from our earth, but her memory remains. She was there for me & poured out her love on me in my darkest, most difficult time, what a fighter for love, life and inspiration to the future. You are missed.

Heather Hanson

July 20, 2015

You were one of the most fun and greatest teachers I've ever had. I had so much fun in your class my senior year and being your 'runner' after school and I will always remember that, 'Mel Gibson's eyes are as blue as Windex.' My mom knew you before I did and when she heard I was going to be in your class she was happy and now that she is going through breast cancer, I am sure you are looking over her and telling her to keep going. Bless you and rest well.

Tyler Morriss

July 20, 2015

Ms. Coglon,

It is very hard coming to realize that your last graduation has come. You brought so much energy to that sixth period class; more than some of the students I believe. You helped so many students and helped changed so many lives! I wish I could have had one last chance to sit, speak, and thank you for all you have done. You are so much loved, Ms. Coglon, and the love will continue to shine very bright!!

Jacky Isler

July 20, 2015

Thank you for all you did in making my last year at Lynnwood High School one of the best. You were an incredible teacher and will never be forgotten. ♡

Cecillia Hoglund

July 20, 2015

Words don't begin to describe the love Ms. Coglon showed her students. An amazing woman, teacher, and friend! Thank you for taking such good care of me in my time of need and many years after. Lost but never forgotten....

Brie Bailey

July 20, 2015

Thank you for being an amazing teacher. You made a difference in so many lives and will never be forgotten.

Brian Dahl

July 19, 2015

rest easy cog-dog. i regret ever sleeping in your class. we love you

Stefanie Buchanan

July 19, 2015

As a student who "fell through the cracks" you were the first and only teacher at LHS who believed in me and saw my potential as a writer. You wrote my college admission reference. I never saw or spoke to you again after I left LHS in 2000...but thanks to your positive light in my life I gained confidence and I graduated college with a BA in Journalism. Thank you for being such a wonderful teacher, you touched my life. RIP.

stacie morgan

July 19, 2015

She will be missed. She was a awesome teacher. I went lynnwood high school.

July 19, 2015

Andrea was a wonderful and dedicated teacher whose caring concern impacted many over the years. She gave her time and patience especially to the struggling students who often wanted to give up. Her caring personality and humor kept them trying even harder. She was a credit to her profession and a lovely person.

Denise Culton

July 19, 2015

Although I did not hav eMs. Coglon as a teacher,I do remember her and what students said about her. She sounded like quite a lady. I am from Yakima. Had I known she was too I would have spoken to her back then.My sincere condolences to her friends,family and former students. She has as a teacher touched and shaped so many lives in a positive way. A legacy to be proud of. LHS Class of 1989.

Azar Minhas

July 19, 2015

Thank you for always being a constant and caring force in my life, even when I couldn't care for myself, thank you never giving up on me, and thank you for being the grandmother I never had. You will be sorely missed, but always in our hearts.

July 19, 2015

Very kind woman she was. Not many made an impression. She did. She's in good hands now with God. She did her duty as a person , helping young people better themselves. The best way was by example.

Jessica Adams

July 19, 2015

You will be missed Mrs (Cog-Dog) Coglon. You were always one of my favorites and were a special kind of teacher. Thank you for giving teaching your all and making us all better prepared adults for the world post high school.

Sarah Fletcher-Kramer

July 19, 2015

Free to fly with Angels! You will forever be missed and my favorite!!

Deborah Martin-Bratt

July 19, 2015

You were an inspiration to so many...a born educator. You have made a difference in the lives of so many....We will all miss you at LHS....

Katrina Olsen

July 19, 2015

Thank you for never giving up on me even when I gave up on myself, and for being just as stubborn as myself. I needed it. But then again you already knew that! Rest in peace Mrs. Coglon. You are amazing! A teacher I will always remember as one of the greats!

Erin Dyer

July 19, 2015

I'm so saddened to hear this. She was my English teacher senior year 1996-1997. She pushed me to be a better and more rounded student and was one of the only teachers to really prepare me for the demands of college. She was great at what she did and I will always remember her.

July 19, 2015

Fifty five years was not enough. I think of her several times a day with nostalgia and gratitude for the friendship that weathered many storms but got stronger over the years. Yes, she was bright, willful, funny, altruistic and generous but most of all, unconditionally loving and accepting of me. It is difficult to keep believing that life force is gone as it lingers in so many places in my memory and heart.

Sally Gordner Waller

Javiera

July 19, 2015

You were so loved and you changed our lives. I wish I could have said good-bye in person, but reading about how you spent your last years gives me so much joy and peace. You truly lived Ms. Coglon. Thank you for all that you did for us! You were one of a kind. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Hope we meet again.

Dennis Minor

July 19, 2015

RIP Andrea. You were truly one of the greats!!!

Catherine Sparks

July 19, 2015

She was an inspiring teacher who was widely respected by those who knew her professionally. She was smart, fierce and cared about kids first.

July 19, 2015

Matthew and Andrew -
We loved your mother more than you will ever know - and we are just 2 of many. She was the most caring and generous person we have ever had in our lives and we miss her everyday. Your families are in our prayers. Love, Lisa Gordon and Jim McKinnon

Patti Bourgault

July 19, 2015

Love you lady! You will be missed.
'Oh, what a LIFE!'

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