Obituary of Mary E. Coan

Peabody – Ms. Mary E. Coan 75, died unexpectedly at home on Tuesday, May 5, 2020. Born and raised in Peabody, she was the daughter of the late John A. and Eleanor L. (Nevins) Coan. Mary attended and graduated from St. John the Baptist School in Peabody. After completing a Stenotype Institute Program in Boston, Mary enlisted in The US Navy and completed her tour of duty. Returning to Peabody, Mary spent the remainder of her life as an active member of the Peabody community and in her Church Parish of St. John the Baptist. Mary’s professional life centered around the Law, serving the commonwealth of Massachusetts in the Trial Court System for 34 years. During this time Mary participated in the organization and transfer of the Trial Court system from a county-based system to a department of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts System, we now know as the District Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Mary retired from the Peabody District Court as a District Court Magistrate in 2006. Mary was a firm believer in community participation. She was a regular presence at community sponsored events from dinners through theatre presentations and of course the International Festival. Upon her retirement, Mary was a faithful volunteer at the Council on Aging at the Community Life Center and at her Church through her presence at the St, Vincent de Paul Food Pantry- she always said yes to a need. Mary also volunteered through Special Olympics, as a coach- Jack, her brother was a “Gold Medal winner”, Mary made it happen. Working with Lydon Aquatics and Peabody Elks Association, she spent many hours on an athletic field, swimming pool or a basketball court – An avid golfer, she was a member of the Cape Ann Country Club in Essex, MA and a member of the Meadow Larks in Topsfield and played regularly at other local golf courses. She was an avid bowler as well at the Metro Bowl in Peabody. She liked it so much- she played twice a week. She was a loving sister, aunt and friend who will be missed by all who knew her. Surviving her are her sisters, Margaret “Peg” Dow of Northport, FL and Ipswich and Sr. Leonore Coan, SNDdeN of Peabody as well as nieces and nephews. She was also the sister of the late Thomas Coan and John A. Coan Jr. ARRANGEMENTS: A memorial Mass will be held at a later date. Arrangements by the Conway Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn St., Peabody. Contributions may be made in her memory to the St. Vincent de Paul Society, 17 Chestnut St., Peabody, MA 01960.