Jeannette Marie Coffin, 94, of Waldoboro, died at her home July 28. She was born in Boston, Mass., May 26, 1913, the daughter of James A. and Jeannette M. (Briggs) Coffey. She spent her childhood years in Nahant, Mass. where she developed a love of the sea.
Jeannette had a life-long passion for art. She studied and painted even while raising her three sons alone after the death of her first husband. When her children were grown, she met the second love of her life, King Coffin, artist and art professor, and began an intense period of creativity. Jeannette and King traveled and painted together, making several trips to Haiti and increasingly spent time on the coast of Maine, inspired by the unique people and landscapes of both places until the time of King’s death in 1983. She continued to paint into her 90’s at her home in Maine.
Jeannette was a member of the United Methodist Church in Waldoboro. She hosted many lively small group meetings in her home, participated in numerous church projects, and was an active member of the United Methodist Women’s group.
She is predeceased by her husband, King M. Coffin; brother James Coffey; first husband, Ellsworth A. Smith who died Oct. 31, 1958; infant grandson, Steven Bergstrom; and infant granddaughter Emily Smith.
Jeannette is survived by her sister Virginia Murphy of Maynard, Mass.; her four children, Claudia Bergstrom and husband Philip, of Crystal River, Fla.; Douglas Smith and wife Debra, of New Gloucester; David Smith and wife Shelley of Shaker Heights, Ohio; and Gregory Smith and wife Christin, of Huntington, Vt.; 17 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren. In addition, Jeannette is survived by her cat and long-time companion, Claws, who will be relocating to Vermont.
A celebration of her life will be held 1 p.m., Sat., Aug. 4, at the Waldoboro United Methodist Church, Friendship St., Waldoboro.
Arrangements are under the direction of Coast of Maine Cremation and Funeral Service, Waldoboro.
Should friends so desire, memorial donations may be made to Miles Home Health and Hospice, 40 Belvedere Rd., Damariscotta, ME 04543.
