SHIRLEY (KRAUS) COQUILLARD

Oct. 4, 1927 - Nov. 10, 2010
SOUTH BEND - Shirley Louise Coquillard passed away on Wednesday, November 10, 2010, from natural causes at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Mishawaka, Indiana. Shirley was born in Chicago, Illinois, to the late Clifford and Augusta Kraus. Her family moved to South Bend in 1935.

Shirley graduated from South Bend Central, and in 1947 married her high school sweetheart, John L. "Jack" Coquillard Sr., who survives. In addition to her husband, Shirley is survived by her children, Gail Moon (Gary) of Fishers, IN, and Karen Brochhausen (Eric) of South Bend, IN.

She was preceded in death in January 1952 by an infant son, John Coquillard Jr., and in June 2006 by her beloved second son, also John Coquillard Jr.

She is survived by her grandchildren, Douglas Moon (Emily) of McCordsville, IN, and Brian Moon of Fishers, IN. She is also survived by her sister, Dorothy Govaert of South Bend; and brothers-in-law, Richard Coquillard of Arizona City, AZ, and John Gordon of Mesa, AZ; along with many nieces and nephews.

Shirley was first employed at National Discount Company. When her children started school, she returned to work as a bookkeeper, first for Goldblatt's Department Store and then at Miller Paint Company. In 1979 she started working for the University of Notre Dame. She worked in several different departments while at Notre Dame, recently retiring from her part-time job in Development. She remained close friends with many of her co-workers at Notre Dame and they share our loss.

She was a Brownie leader and Cub Scout leader when her children were young, and also spent many years teaching Sunday school and participating in the Women's Guild at Zion United Church of Christ. Shirley enjoyed countless hours of shopping at Macy's and Kohl's. Many of the sales associates at Macy's knew her by name. She delighted in finding a bargain and delighted even more in showering these gifts on her family and friends. She and Jack spent many years doing what they loved the most... dancing. They were excellent dancers and Saturday night regulars at the Moose and Eagles. Mom loved all animals, large and small, and started each day feeding the resident squirrels and their beloved cat, Casey. She has helped Karen with her dog grooming business since 1991, last working with Karen just several weeks ago. Many of Karen's customers have also remained lifelong friends of Mom and they, too, share our loss.

We were fortunate in the past few years to have shared several wonderful family vacations with Mom and Dad to Florida for Mom's 80th birthday, Las Vegas and Palm Springs. Thanks for the memories, Mom. Shirley was a friend to many and gave willingly of her time and treasures. She was the very special "Grandma Teabags" to her grandsons, and was always up for another game of Monopoly or "store." Through the years, she took great joy in organizing and hosting parties for her many friends and family. She spent countless hours helping others through difficult times. Her giving spirit was a blessing to many and an example to all.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM Monday, November 15, 2010, in Palmer Funeral Home-River Park, 2528 Mishawaka Ave., South Bend. Chaplain Steve Nani will officiate. Friends may visit with the family from 2:00-7:00 PM today in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Fried's Cat Shelter, P.O. Box 241, Michigan City, IN 46361; or to the Center for Hospice and Palliative Care, 111 Sunnybrook Court, South Bend, IN 46637. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com. 

Mom, we weren't ready to lose you - our loss is unbearable. There is a hole in our hearts that will never heal. How do we go on without you, Mom? We love you forever. Jack, Gail & Karen.

Published by South Bend Tribune from Nov. 13 to Nov. 14, 2010.

01/09/2023 EJS