Arlene Coan

Wednesday, February 8, 2006

June 10, 1925--Feb. 5, 2006

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- Arlene Coan left her family and friends behind to head for Heaven on Sunday morning, Feb. 5, 2006.

She was the second-born of Fred and Emma Pennell, and they welcomed her to the world on June 10, 1925. Growing up in Trenton, she learned the small-town values of the greatest generation, among them were kindness, faith, frugality and just a touch of spunk.

At the age of 14, Arlene began apprenticing as a hairdresser, a career that she practiced for over forty years; her first trip to the "big city" was a train ride to Lincoln at age 18 to take and pass the state beautician test.

She danced with the airmen stationed at McCook during World War II and then met the love of her life at a picnic in the summer of '46. She married John Victor Coan the following January. Arlene and the G.I. Bill put Vic through law school at UNM. Arlene made New Mexico her second home and spent most of her adult life in Albuquerque.

Everyone who knew Arlene will remember her kindness and generosity. She loved people, oil painting, bridge and Scrabble. Arlene also enjoyed garage sales, travel, cooking and water aerobics. For the last several years of her life, she volunteered for the OASIS senior programs.

She was preceded in death by both her parents, a sister and husband.

She is survived by one brother, Wayne Pennell of Grand Island; her children, Barbara and husband, Dennis Miller of Loveland, Colo., Marc Coan of Albuquerque and Charles and wife, Paulette of Mechanicsburg, Pa.; and daughter-in-law, Sally Coan of Albuquerque. She was also blessed with five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Arrangements for the celebration of Arlene's life are through French Mortuary, University Blvd. Chapel at 1111 University Blvd. NE.

Visitation will be Wednesday, Feb. 8, from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Services will be at the same location on Thursday, Feb. 9, at 10:00 a.m., with graveside services at Sunset Memorial Park, 924 Menaul Blvd. NE. A luncheon and reception will follow for all of Arlene's friends, neighbors and loved ones at the home of Marc Coan. We are truly grateful for the love and support shared by her friends over her lifetime -- Thank you.