Elizabeth Coan

MADISON/Verona – Elizabeth "Louise" Coan, age 83, passed away on May 23, 2015, at Agrace Hospice Center of lung cancer. Louise was born in Ontario, WI, on May 11, 1932, the elder daughter and middle child of William and Dorothy (Brey) Stoikes. The family moved to Verona in 1937, where Louise attended grade school with her one other classmate, Kenny. She graduated from Verona High School in 1950 and proudly graduated from St. Mary's School of Nursing in 1953. Louise served patients at the VA Hospital in Madison before transferring to the VA in Boston, MA. She also worked at Northwest General Hospital in Milwaukee, the VA Hospital in Madison, and then for more than 25 years at Madison General/Meriter Hospital. She had an inherent drive to help people which drew her to nursing, and after retirement she continued helping friends and family, even when she was quite ill, to the end of her days. Louise had a passion for playing bridge with her many, life-long friends and family, most especially with her dear sister – Pat. She enjoyed cooking and baking, shopping, traveling (especially to the beach) and , music, theater and dancing.

Louise met Philip "Phil" Coan at Tenney Park in Madison, when Phil was displaying his swimming ability, much to her delight. She followed Phil to Boston and they married June 4, 1955. There they began their family with three children, Pamela, Philip, and Patricia, before relocating to Coon Rapids, MN, where Stephen was born, followed by Brookfield, WI, where Matthew joined the noise. Since 1971, Louise and Phil made their home in Madison.

Louise is survived by her youngest brother, Ralph (Maxine) Stoikes, dear brother-in-law Walt Feller, sister-in-law Janet Stoikes, and all of her children: Pamela (Mark) Woodruff of Fond du Lac, Philip Coan of San Diego, CA, Patti Coan of Monona, Steve (Shari) Coan of Alpharetta, GA, and Matthew (Lisa Simpson) of McFarland. She is also survived by her 10 beloved grandchildren, Leah (Chad), Adreana, Taylor, Mario, Kamryn, Andrew, Tony, Torrey, Riley, and Anna.

Louise was preceded in death by her husband, Phil; her parents, William and Dorothy Stoikes; her brothers Joseph Stoikes and Arnold Stoikes; her sister Patricia Feller in April of this year; her nephew Michael Feller; and her sister-in-law Marilyn (Jim) McHallum.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Mom's friend, Gina, for all her help and devoted friendship, the nurses, doctors and staff at both University Hospital and Agrace Hospice Center, and to Aunt Jan, Uncle Ralph, and Uncle Walt for their love and support.

A memorial service to celebrate Louise's life will be held on Friday, May 29th, beginning at 11am, following a visitation beginning at 9am until services begin at St. James Lutheran Church in Verona, WI. Since Louise loved vibrant colors, the family invites attendees to wear bright clothing or a bright clothing item in celebration of her life.

Mom, you have arrived at a place that knows neither pain nor fear. Blessed journey.

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com