Mary Louise Coe, 95, passed peacefully on June 21, 2024.

Mary was born on December 10, 1928, to Ray Copple and Ruby (Bates) Copple in Centralia, Illinois. She was united in marriage with Lester Coe on July 31, 1949. She graduated from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Illinois, where she obtained a Masters Degree in Education. She was a member of First United Methodist Church in Centralia.

Mary is survived by her daughter, Lisa Oelze and her husband Bill of Nashville, Illinois, her granddaughter Lauren Oelze of Dallas, Texas, and her grandson, Ty Oelze of Columbia, Missouri. She is also survived by her special cousins, Miriam (Copple) Waggoner of Salem, Illinois, and Olan Copple of Centralia.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Lester, and sister Lucille (Robert) Edwards of Lombard, Illinois.

One of Mary’s most significant achievements was her teaching career. She initially taught for the Central City School System and later served as a substitute teacher for Willow Grove School. Mary had a profound interest in her students and cherished reconnecting with them. Beyond her teaching, she was an avid reader and writer, with a particular passion for poetry.

Per her wishes, a private family service will be held at a later date at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Centralia. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Judes Children’s Hospital and will be accepted at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home at 235 North Sycamore Street Centralia, Illinois 62801, (618)532-3523, who is honored to be of service to Mary’s Family. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com.