Obituary of Rosemary K. (Phillips) Coffey

Rosemary K. (Phillips) Coffey, 95 died peacefully at St. Camillus on January 18, 2104. She was a graduate of the Town of Webb School, St. Elizabeth School of Nursing in Utica, NY, the nurse clinician program at Community General Hospital in Syracuse, NY, and was a licensed physician's assistant. Rosemary was employed at Community General Hospital, were she served as head nurse of the emergency department for fifteen years. After leaving CGH, she joined the staff at Syracuse Community Health Center. Upon moving to Old Forge, NY she worked as the Herkimer County public health nurse. While living in Old Forge, Rosemary was involved in many volunteer activities. She received the recognition award for Senior Citizen of the year in 1996 for outstanding service to the community. Rosemary was predeceased by her husband, Robert J. Coffey, her parents, William G. and Elizabeth D. Phillips; brothers, William B. and Raymond F. Phillips, daughter, Anne E. Coffey, son, Robert L. Coffey and grandson, Bjorn Eklund. She is survived by two sons, James E. and Terrence M. (Mary Lee Gilmartin) of Syracuse, two daughters, Donna M. (Howard) West of Shipshewana, IN, and Christine V. (William) Eklund of Brewerton, NY, son-in-law, Richard R. Petty of Cazenovia, NY, daughter-in-law, Anne M. Coffey of Branford, CT, grandchildren, Brendan, and Peter Coffey, Nathaniel, Benjamin, and Bethany West; Adam Petty, Brianne Eklund, Sara Spinner, and Amy and Eamon Coffey; 6 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters-in-law, Geraldine Phillips and Jane Coffey, and many nieces and nephews. Services will be held Wednesday at 6pm at Maestri Chapel at St. Camillus, 813 Fay Rd. Syracuse. The family will receive friends at the chapel, 4 -6pm prior to the service. Spring burial will be in Old Forge, NY. The family would like to thank the third-floor staff of St. Camillus for their wonderful care of Rosemary. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Centers at St. Camillus, 813 Fay Rd, Syracuse, NY 13219.