COUGHLAN, Denise

Denise Coughlan, age 51, died Jan. 24, 2004 in Prescott Valley, AZ. She was born April 25, 1952 in Princeton, New Jersey to Joseph and Helen (O'Neill) Coughlan. During her courageous battle with cancer her family says Denise always had a beautiful smile on her face. Denise was an avid reader and worked at the Prescott Valley Library as the Assistant Children's Librarian; she also volunteered with the "Friends of the Library". Denise worked as a claims adjuster for Harris Skulnick, retiring after 22 years, she was known as the "Claims Empress". Denise and her husband, Donald, moved to Prescott Valley in 1998. Denise was a big race fan, and enjoyed traveling to watch the races in California and Oregon. She was also an avid fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers Football team. Denise was very personable and enjoyed everyone she met and was known to her family and friends as a real corker. Denise and Donald were married at the courthouse in Prescott on their 30th anniversary of being together. Denise is survived by her sister Patti, niece Kelly, nephew Jimmy & great-niece Alexis. Memorial services to honor Denise were held Sat. Jan. 31, 2004 at the Unity Church in Prescott. A reception followed the services at the Bucky O'Neill VFW Post #541 in Prescott, AZ. There was also a memorial service in Pismo Beach, Calif. on Denise's birthday in April. Memorial contributions in Denise's name may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 5377, Phoenix, AZ 85010. Family assisted by Sunrise Funeral Home & Crematory, Prescott Valley. Published in the Arizona Republic on 1/28/2004.