Elizabeth Maria Coyner, a long-time resident of the Grand Rapids area, died Friday the 27th of May 2016 surrounded by family at The Alden of Waterford in Aurora, IL. She was 84. Her husband, Russell Riley Coyner, preceded her in death on Nov. 8, 1997. He was 65. Elizabeth was the daughter of Rocco and Elizabeth Tedeschi. Born in 1932 in Newark, N.J., Elizabeth, who also went by Betty, graduated from Columbia High School in South Orange, NJ. She remained close with her special high school friends for over 70 years. She attended the Berkley Secretarial School in East Orange, NJ before marrying Russell in 1955 and starting a family. Elizabeth was most passionate about her family and making a loving home. She also enjoyed travel, lived overseas in Brussels, Belgium, was a great cook, loved being with family, and could always be counted on for a good laugh and a warm smile. She was preceded in death by her sisters Carmela and Diana, as well as her good friend John Giere. She is survived by her children, Karen, Jeff (Roseann), Paul (Dina) and David (Sandra); her grandchildren, Ashley (Joshua), Russell, Jessica, Paul, Nicholas, Samantha, Andrew, Scott, Julia,Adam and John; her great grandchildren Jackson and Adrian; and her brother Richard (Valerie). Visitation will be Thursday 6-8:00 p.m. at O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Chapel, 3980 Cascade Rd. S.E., Grand Rapids. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday 11:00 a.m. at St. Robert of Newminster Church, 6477 Ada Dr., Ada. Rev. Leonard Sudlik presiding. Interment Cascade Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure, 25 Sheldon Blvd. S.E., Grand Rapids, MI 49503.
