Obituary of Ann Therese "Nancy" Coghlan
Ann Therese “Nancy” (Costello) Coghlan 90 of Jackson died of natural causes on Tuesday, April 14, at Bella Terra Senior Lifestyle Community in Jackson NJ. Nancy was born in Elizabeth NJ on March 29th, 1930. She attended St. Genevieve’s grammar school, and was a graduate of St. Mary of the Assumption HS in Elizabeth NJ in 1947. After High School, Nancy graduated from Drake Business College and worked at the Barrett Division of Allied Chemical as a clerk/typist. She later worked at R.E. Scott Insurance as a secretary.
Nancy was a devout Catholic and a devoted wife, mother, grandmother who dearly loved to spend time with young children. She was blessed with 5 children, 9 grandchildren, and 1 great-grandchild. She was married for 62 years to Kenneth L Coghlan, who predeceased her in 2014.
Nancy spent many years giving back to her community through fundraising and volunteering activities to help out with many charitable causes. As her children grew older, she served as Treasurer of the Laurel Guild in Smoke Rise (Kinnelon NJ). Later she served as Treasurer of the Kimball Hospital MMCSC auxiliary (Manchester NJ). Nancy and Ken were active members of the Renaissance Community’s Irish Club and enjoyed attending the yearly St. Patrick’s Day Dance.
Nancy is survived by her 5 children: Tom (Barbara), Jeff (Madeleine), Donna, Scott (Pilar), and Michelle. Nancy was a loving grandmother to: Sean (Sabrina), Lauren Catlett (Andrew), Mackenzie (fiancé Dan), Dan (fiancé Mandy), Tom Coghlan-Shorey (Katie), Caroline, Patrick, Jessica, and Marissa. Nancy was also a loving great-grandmother to Adam. In addition to her passion for children, she was an avid Yankees fan. Her grandchildren all fondly recall the famous “candy drawer” in her kitchen, where each could pick from a variety of treats when visiting.
Ken and Nancy lived an active life and moved often, including living in New Jersey (Roselle Park, Fanwood, Mountainside, Kinnelon, Manchester), Connecticut (Trumbull), and Maryland (Potomac). Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a memorial service to honor Nancy will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, PO Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38105, or at https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html. All arrangements are under the direction of the Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, Freehold Township. For information or to leave condolence messages to the family, visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com