COUGHEY, LILLIAN EDITH MAY (1920-2014) - Lillian Coughey passed away quietly at home in Fredericton on Friday, March 14th, 2014 after a very full 93 years. She was born Lillian Blocksidge in Nordegg, Alberta on May 7th, 1920, the daughter of Elizabeth (Beth) and Walter Blocksidge. At the age of three, Lillian and her family moved to England, where she grew up in Weston Super Mare, excelling at many sports including swimming, tennis and field hockey. The Second World War interrupted these pursuits and after a stint in the local fire service, Lillian's mother registered her in the Canadian Army which guaranteed a trip back to Canada at the War's end. After years as a Sergeant spent in London during the bombings, Lillian did find herself on a ship heading to Canada. At that time, the Canadian uniform allowed you to travel and Lillian did, across Canada to visit her family in Saskatchewan and down to the Mexican border. Her final posting was to Ottawa where she once again participated in tennis competition. A job as girls work director at the new YM-YWCA, brought her to Fredericton where she organized basketball leagues, Y groups for girls, and worked at the Y camp at Lake Magaguadavic. It was at this time that she met her future husband, David, and during his year as International President of the Y, she helped with secretarial work. In 1950 Lillian and David were married and began their adventure together. Lillian continued her volunteer work with young people for many years after that. Besides competing at a high level in such sports as tennis, badminton and golf, and raising four daughters, Lillian began tennis instruction for the children of Fredericton. She and her friends taught hundreds of local children how to play tennis. Lillian also developed a love of figure skating. For over 20 years, Lillian ran the preschool learn to skate program for the Fredericton Figure Skating Club. During this time Lillian competed in the Winter Games for badminton and played on several Provincial Senior golf teams. Lillian was passionate about her sports both playing and watching all types but especially golf, which in her later years she continued to play on the Algonquin golf course in her beloved St. Andrews. She has continued her support for the YMCA by supporting the Capital Y's men and raising money for Y programs through her continuing membership in the Capital Y's Mennette's Club until her death. Lillian spent 60 very happy years married to the love of her life, David. She cherished her summers in St. Andrews playing early morning golf games with David and having her children and grandchildren visit to play tennis, swim and walk around the point with her. After David retired they travelled to New Zealand, Florida and South Carolina to play golf. Their home in Fredericton was the central point for many extended family gatherings and where six young relatives stayed while they were going to UNB. Lillian was predeceased by her husband David, her sister Elsie Payne and her brother Martin Blocksidge. Lillian was above all a wife and mother and much beloved by her children and their families. She will be much missed by her daughters, Sally McAllister, Mary (Brian) Kaye, Wendy (Scott) White and Vicki Coughey (Brent Daniel). She also had a very close bond with all her twelve grandchildren, Mark (Julie) McAllister, Kristy McAllister (Aaron Simpson), Paul McAllister, Patrick McAllister, Martin Kaye, Laura Kaye, Alycia Morehouse, Brittany Morehouse, Chris Morehouse, Kate Daniel, Allie Daniel, Ryan Daniel and three great grandchildren, Grace, Jana and Elliot McAllister. Lillian was always their greatest fan! Her nieces and nephews were also a very important part of her life. Lillian lived life to the fullest; golfing, walking, exercising and line dancing right until up until her last day attending her exercise class at Brunswick St. Baptist Church. She will be sorely missed.
Visitation will be held at McAdam's Funeral Home, 160 York Street, Fredericton, NB on Tuesday March 18th, 2014 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 pm. A celebration of her life will be held at Brunswick Street Baptist Church on Wednesday, March 19th, 2014 at 1:30 pm. For those who wish, a donation to the YMCA Building Fund, the Brunswick Street Baptist Church Building Fund or a charity of donor's choice would be appreciated by the family. Personal condolences can be made at www.mcadamsfh.com, 458-9170.