Mary R. Coleman (1926-2020)

COLEMAN, REILLY, MONAGHAN

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 12/30/2020 at 14:36:54

Mary Roberta (Monaghan) Coleman, 94, of Coggon passed away from natural causes at Mercy Medical Center in Cedar Rapids after a sudden illness on Sunday, November 15, 2020.

Private Family Visitation & Mass of Christian Burial: St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Monti, Iowa with Rev. Wayne Droessler officiating.

Interment: St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery, Monti, Iowa.

Fawcett-Schmitz Funeral Home, Winthrop, is assisting the family.

In lieu of flowers memorials can be directed to Coggon Historical Society, Monti Community Center, Coggon Opera House or to charities of their choice.

Online obituary at www.jamisonschmitzfuneralhome.com

Due to state and federal guidance on gatherings and the recent surge in the COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing will be required. Those in attendance are required to wear a mask. We encourage relatives and friends not able to attend the service to reach out to the family by leaving a message on the funeral home web site, by mail, text or phone.

Roberta, the eldest child of Thomas and Rosalia (Reilly) Monaghan, was born on June 29, 1926. She graduated as Valedictorian of her class from Coggon High School. Following school Roberta worked in the Coggon area.

Roberta was united in marriage on May 25, 1948, to Louis Dale Coleman. They were blessed with 8 children that assisted with the chores and general farm labor. Roberta and Dale farmed in the Monti community for 28 years until his passing in 1976. She then worked for the North Linn School District as an administrative assistant until her retirement. She worked part time for many years at the Linn County State Bank. When her kids were all in school, she worked for a few years at Carson Grain.

Roberta is a one-of-a-kind gem. She has the most generous heart and selflessly gave countless hours of her time to the community. She was well known in the Coggon and Monti area for her volunteerism. The Coggon Opera House, Coggon Historical Society, St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Monti, St John’s Catholic Church and Faith Mission Thrift Store in Coggon were just a few of the organizations that she assisted. She was always willing to help anyone out. When she was well into her eighties, she could often be found delivering Meals on Wheels as well as driving her fellow community members to appointments and meetings.

She enjoyed travelling, having visited Hawaii, Alaska, California, Las Vegas, Florida, Texas, Colorado, northeastern US and also went on many bus tours. She took a long trip to Ireland to visit her ancestral homeland. She enjoyed playing the penny slots at the casinos with her sister and brother-in-law. She was also an active quilter well into her 90’s and was a member of the Coggon Community Comforters making quilts for area nonprofits.

Roberta is survived by her eight children and 17 grandchildren: Jim (Judy) and his children Chris (Sara), and Karen (Brett) Tucker; Leo (Norma) and his daughters Angie (Dan) Strum and Nicki (Adam) Finger; Ed and his daughter Katie (Kenneth) Grewing; Larry (Kim) and their children Ashley (Justin) Black, Andrew, and Alisha (Alex) Toomer; Don and sons Corey, Chad, Aaron (Rebecca); Rose Kane and her sons Brett, Owen, Joel; Vince and his daughter Maggi; Kevin (Jodie) and his sons Martin, Mitchell (Kaelee), 21 great-grandchildren with one on the way and 2 great-great-grandchildren; her brother Bill Monaghan, sister-in-law and brother-in-law Betty and Gerald Dooley and sister-in-law Bernadine Coleman, along with 5 nephews, 10 nieces and 10 first cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Dale, grandson Joe Coleman, brother Paul Monaghan, sister and brother-in-law Joan and Ed Frentress, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Charles and Betty Lou Coleman, and brothers-in-law George Coleman, Thomas Coleman, John Coleman and Vincent Coleman.

The family would like to thank the wonderful and caring staff at Summit Pointe Senior Living who cared for her for the past 3.5 years. A special thank you to Deb Cook for her loyal service and dedication to her personal needs.