Eleanor Coggins
EASTHAMPTON, MA- Eleanor Buell Coggins, 104, of 207 Bassett Brook Drive, died peacefully on Friday, July 27, at home. She was born in Wilmington,VT, on October 6, 1913, the only child of Dora Grant and John Albert Buell.
Mrs. Coggins grew up in Wilmington, and the family moved to Melrose, MA, after she completed high school. Mrs. Coggins graduated from Simmons College and worked as a secretary in South Boston.
She married Donald Coggins in June 1945, and they lived in Melrose until 1975, when they moved to their summer home on Lake Raponda in Wilmington. While living in Melrose, she was a volunteer and trustee at the Malden Hospital. She was active in the Melrose Methodist Church as a member of the choir for many years and as a volunteer.
After moving to Vermont, Mrs. Coggins was the organist and treasurer at the West Dover Congregational Church. She and her husband moved to the Inn at the Lathrop Community in 2000. They delighted in living near their family and making new friends.
Mrs. Coggins enjoyed golf, skiing, water skiing, music, and singing. She was a superb knitter and seamstress. And she especially loved spending time with her family and friends at the lake in Vermont and on the coast of Maine. Mr. and Mrs. Coggins travelled to Europe after retirement and spent most winters on the Gulf Coast in Florida. Throughout her life she adored and was adored by many family pets. Most recently she could be seen with her “granddogs” napping at her feet while visiting in Leeds.
Mr. Coggins preceded his wife in death in 2007. Mrs. Coggins is survived by her two children, Glenn, of Amherst, MA, and Lois Ducharme, of Leeds, MA; and grandchildren Camden Ducharme, of Madrid, Spain, and Devon Ducharme, of Newport, RI.
A memorial service and interment will be in Vermont at a later date. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to Lathrop Communities at www.lathrop.kendal.org/contact/opportunities-for-giving/ or Dakin Animal Shelter at www.dakinhumane.org/donate.html.