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BORN
1941
DIED
2017
Susan Coggins Obituary
Left to cherish Sue's memory, retelling her stories, imitating her accent, and loving her unique humor, are her loving wife, Peg Swickard, remarkable children, Tim, Matt and Keri Coggins, daughters-in-law, Colleen and Karen Coggins, and five grandchildren, Conor, Paige, and Katie Coggins, Jack and Matthew Guthrie. Sue was preceded in death by husband, Williams Coggins, in 1998.
Born in Brooklyn, N.Y. on July 4, 1941, Sue was almost named Glory, for the glory of the 4th. Until age seven, she believed fireworks were to celebrate her birthday. After the nuns declared that she would never learn to read, Sue became lost in reading, belonging to book clubs in Florida and Connecticut.
Sue graduated from Mohegan Community College, St. John's University, and ECSU. As an RN, Sue worked at local hospitals before beginning her 18 years as a nursing instructor for the Norwich Tech's LPN program.
Her financial guru said that most spending would occur in the first ten years of retirement. Sue took that as a challenge, fulfilling life-long travel dreams: Alaska, Hawaii, several national parks, the Pacific Coast highway in a red convertible, Aruba, Australia, New Zealand, Africa, England, Ireland, Scotland, Italy, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland-Labrador, and Russia. Iceland remained on the bucket list.
The family thanks the Progressive Care and the Critical Care Units at Backus for unmatched professional and compassionate care. Extra special thanks to Laura, Annemarie, Sara, Sister Rita and Melanie. Every aspect of over 10 weeks of Home Care from Southeastern CT Hospice was stellar. Dawn and Cris led the way with team members responding night and day.
The Mystic Pilgrims will conduct a celebration of Sue's life at 3 p.m. on Monday, March 20, at Langley's in Waterford. A reception from 4 to 6 will follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Lung Association to research Interstitial Lung Disease.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Susan Coggins
Melanie
December 27, 2023
Sue,
I don´t know why I never left my memory for you in 2017! But better late than never! You were a special patient to me ...our countless conversations brought me so much joy. I enjoyed every minute of taking care of anything you needed! I remember you holding my hand and saying " you were meant to do this" and just like that day in the year of 2017 I still think about that line. You are forever in my heart , Sue.
Love,
Melanie. Your RT.
Donna Roberts
February 22, 2023
Love and miss you, until we meet again.
Maura Beattie
February 22, 2019
Happy High school memories of Sue. She was just so funny and supportive when I entered the Dominican sisters. At the last minute I didnt want to go. She said just go and spend the night then you can come home tomorrow. That lasted for 14 years. Reconnected with Sue at QRA reunion and in Manhattan. She was still as funny as ever. What a great gal! wish we had been more connected through the years.
Rosemary Sabino
March 21, 2017
Bye Sue. Thanks for the memories. About 60 years of them.
Maura Beattie
March 20, 2017
Sue is a friend from high school- QRA. We had a lot of laughs and fun. we only reconnected recently through the QRA reunion's - (50th). The leopard doesn't change its spots and Sue Did not change her laughter and special the zest for life! So happy for her that she had friends and family to comfort her and laugh with her- amazing.. she's probably making them laugh in heaven right now.
March 20, 2017
Hello Sue..... Can you believe it has been 62 years since we met at Queen of the Rosary Academy..... We were freshman.... We can never forget the wonderful friends we met there, and you, Susie are at the top of the list...... Your smile, your laughter, and that fabulous sense of humor......we will cherish them always...... You certainly knew how to live life to the fullest, and are truly a model for all of us who remain..... Bless you sweetie pie, and give Ginny a big hug for all of us.....heaven is a happier place with the two of you..... Keep the laughs going.....
Love,
Joanne Burchell Obrig
March 20, 2017
Sue.....Can you believe it has been 62 years since we met at Queen of the Rosary Academy....None of us will forget those fabulous four years..... due to the best girlfriends that we all had there..... And you are on the top of the list......What a blessing you are!!! Your smile, your fabulous sense of humor, those great jokes......your caring and sensitive heart....... you are the best....
You know how to live life to the fullest, and what a great model you are to teach us that....
You are gone too soon and we will never forget you..... we will cherish these memories, and we will share them always....give Ginny a big hug for us.....heaven is a better place now!! We love you kiddo....
Joanne Burchell Obrig
Donna Roberts Colchester, CT
March 10, 2017
I am deeply saddened to hear of Sue's passing. She was one of my Nursing Instructors and taught me so much more than Nursing. She made a huge impact on me in many, many ways. I was very fortunate to have learned so much from her. I am deeply saddened for everyone who knew her. May her family and friends find comfort during this most difficult time. Love you Sue, rest in peace until we meet again.
Jane Lambert
March 8, 2017
Sue was such a force of life, her smile was radiant and her personality was big and so full of fun. No one who knew her could forget her... and how much she enjoyed her life. Whenever I think of her, I always smile. I know she will be missed so much. I'm sure her spirit will be with Peg and her children always.
March 8, 2017
Peg, Matt, Keri and Tim;
We are so sorry for your loss. Sue was such a vibrant person whose smile and zest for life will surely be missed. We share two beautiful grandchildren, Conor and Paige, who we all are so proud of and in whom we see "bits and pieces" of Sue. Love to all, Lorraine and Dennis
Bill Halpin
March 8, 2017
We were ersatz cousins. Our parents played poker and drank cocktails. We were forced to listen to stories of insurance secretaries and furniture or washing machine salesfolk, truck drivers, or movie managers, housewives and questions like 'what's the gig' or 'who has two of a kind' or 'shall we make it jacks or better?'
Susan and her sister Janet were two of six of us, and I was the only boy. It was the fifties. I became a hermit. These five women, three of whom have departed, were my earliest educators as to how to live in an emerging world where women patiently, with feisty conviction, teach compassion to a populace that shrugs its shoulders and asks why bother. Thanks Sue -- you knew why.
Melissa Calkins
March 5, 2017
I was saddened to hear about Sue's passing. She was an inspiration and an amazing instructor. I admired her in all aspects of her life. Blessings to her family during this difficult time.
Jennifer F.
March 3, 2017
Sue was such a wonderful lady. She was one of my nursing instructors and taught me to never give up. I would not be in the nursing position i am in now if it wasn't for her. Prayers to her family at this difficult time. She always spoke the world of you all.
March 2, 2017
Sue was one of my nursing instructors in 1991-93. I will remember her for her quick wit, charm and the ability to challenge your skills to help you grow and be better nurse.
Kind and compassionate to all, but at the same time energetic and enthusiastic about life. She will be missed.
With deep sympathy to all her loved ones.
Carol "Mickey" Gordon
Ro Falco Carolyn Callaway
March 2, 2017
Sue was a wonderful ray of sunshine. Her smile, contagious laugh and sense of humor were some of her endearing qualities. Born on the 4th of July, she lived up to being a "firecracker" in all the positive ways. Her wife Peg is the perfect complement to Sue and together they are two of the dearest friends we've had. Sue's family is a reflection of Sue's excellent parenting. I wish all of you peace knowing that Sue is inside the Pearly Gates and probably hosting a party!
Ro Falco
March 2, 2017
Sue Coggins was an inspiration to all who knew her. To know her was to love her. Her wonderful smile and great sense of humor were so endearing. Her family is a reflection of Sue's personality. She was a bright star born on the 4th of July, a true "firecracker"! Sue will always shine!
Deb Brown
March 1, 2017
To Sue's family and wife Peg - Donna and I are saddened to learn of Sue's passing. Her laugh and smile are what we see and hear when we think of her. We first met Sue and Peg on one of our first camping trips in Maine. Sue's laugh was a delight around the campfire.
We last saw Sue and Peg a few years back when they invited us to stop over for a quick meal followed by a concert at the Coast Guard Academy for a holiday concert. During our visit, both Peg and Sue shared their photo's on a recent safari adventure.
We are happy to know that they had many interesting adventures during their retirement. We also shared a passion for animals and we always enjoyed cuddling their little dogs when we visited.
We are so so sorry for your loss. Warmest thoughts Deb & Donna
Diane Clark
March 1, 2017
Such a great teacher. So sad to hear of her passing.My sincere sympathy to her family.
Sandra Ebdon
March 1, 2017
What a beautiful smile. She knew how to live life and raised great kids. Keri, I know how close you two were and I know how much you will miss her. Just keep all those great memories alive. She will be watching over you.
March 1, 2017
Sue and I spent many a long night working together at L&M. She made work so much fun. I can still hear that laugh and the great stories she would tell. One morning we went to breakfast together and only ate bacon dipped in maple syrup to avoid the carbs!!! What a joy to be with. I will miss her Jan Wroblewski
Linda Coutu
March 1, 2017
Tim and family, my thoughts are with you as you reflect on and celebrate the magical life of your mother. I know how much you love her and she is lucky to have had you all as you are to have shared her life.
Thoughts and prayers,
March 1, 2017
Will miss that beautiful smile and laughter so much.
Pat and Marie
claire and lois lehar
March 1, 2017
pegzie and family we are so sorry to hear of your loss. carefree will forever be changed without sue. a little piece of our hearts will forever be broken. we send our love and hugs to you peg.
claire and lois
JIM LEAHEY
February 28, 2017
KERI; MY PRAYERS GO OUT TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILLY, KEEP THE MEMORIES YOU ALL HAVE WITH YOUR MOM,OUR LOVED ONES ARE ALWAYS WITH US THEY NEVER LEAVE US,
Cindy Bayreuther McShane
February 28, 2017
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Sue was an incredible teacher at Norwich Tech. She was tough but fair to all. I will remember her fondly.
Cindy Bayreuther McShane
Port Orange, Fl
Barbara Sullivan
February 28, 2017
Sue,
Your daughter, Keri, has your infectious smile and I guess your sense of humor and love of travel. This photo is perfect of you...I am sure your family and friends will remember you this way..bringing joy to all of those around you...
You will be missed by all that you knew you well..family and close friends as well as people like me who met you through family members, like your daughter, Keri....briefly meeting but leaving a strong imprint - you will be missed by me as well...
May peace be with you as you watch over those you love until you meet them again.
God Bless,
Barb
Tricia Conklin
February 28, 2017
There is nothing I can say that hasn't already been said... Godspeed Sue! You will be missed!
February 28, 2017
Sue Coggins was influential in my nursing career and I will never forget her voice, challenges and sense of humor.
Her family is in my prayers.
Stephanie Elevado
February 28, 2017
Sue was a wonderful woman that was loved by everyone in the Black Point Beach Club Women's Association. She was always willing to help out and was never shy to bring a dessert or favorite dish for everyone to share. She will be missed dearly. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time.
With Love,
The Black Point Beach Women's Club Members
Jonnie Simpson
February 28, 2017
Susie was such a positive person with a delightful smile, lovely lilt to her voice, and lots of good stories to tell. We miss her very much now and always will. Her wife and her family are lovely people who were SO PRESENT for Sue when she needed them. God Speed, good friend.
Carmen Judy
February 28, 2017
Whether we are watching a Sun's game, or going a Laundry/Casino trip, or watching the Follies, or attending our "Special Meetings", or just going by S-03, we are constantly reminded of you and the incredible and indelible hole you have left in our hearts. RIP
Stephanie Ellis
February 28, 2017
One of my instructors at PNEP and such a positive influence in my nursing career. She was always full of encouragement.. So smart and full of life...funny and witty...I can still hear that laugh.
She will be missed, and always remembered.
Lynn Spaude
February 28, 2017
Sue you are so missed on the ROC. Your laughter and smile will last forever there. Rest In Peace.
Lynn Spaude
February 28, 2017
Sue's love of life and family was evident to all who knew or met her. I will miss her. Laurie McElwee
February 28, 2017
Sue, we miss you already! You look just like you did at the Bocce dinner - so full of life!
Bill & Anna Greenwood
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