Theresa Olive “Jennie” Coe died from natural causes December 28, 2023, at 93 years old. Jennie was born in London, England, and spent her childhood in Somerset. At 16, she started nursing training in London where she lived and worked after graduation. Jennie married Ronald Coe in 1955 on the island of Cyprus. When Ron completed his military service, they moved to Woking, England. Their first child, Susan, was born in 1958 and twins Philippa and Peter in 1959. In 1963, the family moved to Huntsville, Alabama where their fourth child, Mary, was born. Jennie and Ron were married for 59 years.
Jennie loved the outdoors and travel, enjoying family vacations exploring the US while camping, canoeing, and hiking. She also loved waterskiing and playing tennis. As an avid gardener, Jennie had a special interest in roses. Jennie kept a vegetable garden her whole life, growing and preserving everything from rhubarb to raspberries. An accomplished cook and baker, she was renowned for mincemeat tarts. Her talents extended to sewing, knitting, needlework and crafting of all kinds.
Jennie was a great community volunteer, serving at her children’s schools as a nurse and librarian; at the Huntsville Botanical Gardens and Huntsville Hospital; and as a Girl Scout troop leader. Jennie delivered Meals on Wheels for 47 years and was honored by the Meals on Wheels organization in 2017 for her years of service.
Jennie was an active member of the Episcopal Church of the Nativity, serving on the garden guild, flower guild, usher ministry and as captain of the church’s Meals on Wheels team. Jennie remained energetic until her last day, continuing to deliver meals to people who were often younger than she was, ushering at church on Christmas Eve and working in her garden.
Jennie’s husband Ron died in 2014 and her son Peter died in 2022. She is survived by her children, Susan Coe of Bryson City, NC, Philippa Coe of Bryson City, NC, and Mary Coe (Dan O’Halloran) of Huntsville; and grandchildren, Olivia O’Halloran, Finola O’Halloran and Eamonn O’Halloran.
A memorial service in her honor will be held at the Church of the Nativity on February 10 at 1:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Meals on Wheels of Huntsville.
