Obituary of Florence Coffey

Passed peacefully away at the Lions Manor in Placentia, Florence Mary Coffey ( nee Judge) at the age of 78, with her family by her side. Predeceased by her parents Bride and Patsy Judge, brothers Jimmy Judge, Francis Judge and Johnny Renouf, sister and brother-in-law Lavinia and Kevin English, parents-in-law Dave and Eva Coffey, brother-in-law Leo Coffey,Brother Gerard Follett and Nephew Paul Judge and brother in law Jim Coffey. She leaves to mourn her husband David of 59 years, her children Elizabeth Sweiger( Steve), Yvette Coffey ( Rod Temple), Rodney Coffey, Clyde Coffey ( Christine),Peter English ( Kim), Kevin English ( Jayla) and Michael English ( Kyla Tucker), her grandchildren whom she cherished, Meaghan Sweiger, Patrick Sweiger (Jacinta Vanden Heuvel),Brianna Hardiman (Kyle), Jenna Hynes ( Patrick Letto), Declan Hynes (Jill Kelly), Jordan Temple, Jesica Fleming and Kurstie Jamili, Logan and Lavinia English, Grayson and Aviana English, Great grandchildren Rowan and Alec Hardiman, Lincoln and Logan Letto, siblings Billy Snow and Mary Judge. She also leaves to mourn her in laws on the Coffey side, numerous nieces and nephews, her many colleagues and friends. Also mourning her loss , her sister-in-law Madonna Judge, whom she treasured as a “sister” , confidant and best friend. Florence was born in Gooseberry Cove on the beautiful Cape Shore, a place she loved . She instilled this love of Gooseberry in her children and grandchildren, now extended to her great grandchildren. She moved to Patrick’s Cove at the age of 8 and began her teaching career at the tender age of 16. Throughout her teaching career she nurtured and mentored many students, retiring from Fatima Academy in 1994. She then went on to work in various fields, selling Encyclopedias and Combined Insurance. She was a pioneer, a visionary, an advocate, a great neighbour and loyal friend. She lobbied the NL government to allow game birds into the Province, thus paving the way for the introduction of Emus and Ostrich to their small farm, which included Eider ducks, Canada geese and a strawberry patch. Florence’s love for teaching led her to Little Grand Rapids, Manitoba, where she continued to make a difference in the lives of children. Along with her teaching career She was very involved in her community as a volunteer with Rural Development, Crime stoppers, lay ministry with her church, helping neighbours with their income tax and subsidy proposals, and the Catholic Women’s League. She was a friend and neighbor to all, always lending a helping hand, whether it be volunteering or driving someone wherever they needed. She loved being on the go, meeting new people, playing darts or a game of cards, dancing, socializing, advocating for those less fortunate and, of course, DRIVING !! It has often been said that if you need a ride to Port Aux Basques call Florence, and you were sure to reach your destination. The family would like to thank the staff of the Lion’s Manor, who cared for her these past three plus years, her homecare workers who enabled her to stay at home as long as possible, allowing her to maintain her dignity. Special thanks to Michelle Conway for treating mom like the lady she was, and to her and Cyril for their friendship and compassion. In the words of Mother Theresa “ Do not think that love, in order to be genuine, has to be extraordinary. What we need is to love without getting tired.” Visitation at Coombs Funeral Home, Placentia on Tuesday & Wednesday from: 1:00 - 9:00. Visitation on Thursday: 11:00 -12:45. Funeral Services at Coombs Memorial Chapel on Thursday April 20, 2023 @ 1:00 Interment at the Roman Catholic Cemetery, Patrick's Cove Flowers gratefully accepted or donations in her memory can be made to the Alzheimer's group.