Obituary of Laurel Jean Coleman

Laurel Jean (Jeannie) Coleman passed away unexpectantly on Sunday, February 20, 2011. She was born in Rochester, New York May 3, 1936 to parents Lester Martin McKay, Jr. and Laura Bell (Clark) McKay. She was preceded in death by her husband of 37 years, Harold James (Jerry) Coleman. She is survived by her only child, Patsy Jo (P.J.) Calcagni and her husband John of Indian Harbour Beach, Florida and her loving cats Buddy and Suwannee. Surviving siblings are her brother Ted McKay (Joan) of Smithfield, NC, sister Peggy (Bob) Schlabach of Mathews, NC, brother Wayne (Sharon) McKay of St. Petersburg, FL, sister Cynthia Delgado of Torrence, CA, brother Jimmy (Joan) Newark of Cambridge Springs, PA, brother Woody (Judy) Newark of White Lake, NC, sister Mary Szczerba of Elisabeth Town, NC, and Roger (Ursala) Newark of Giessen, Germany. She is also survived by many adoring nieces, nephews and very close friends. During the last several years she had her constant companion Joe Zaverick, who during the last year while her health was failing he made sure she was well taken care of. Jeannie and her husband Jerry (CSM U.S. Army) had a colorful life while her husband served 25 years in the military. They traveled extensively throughout Europe, Asia, the Middle East and lastly, in Asmara, Ethiopia. Jeannie and Jerry settled in the Melbourne, FL area in 1973 after Jerry retired from the Army. Both worked for Radiation and Harris Corporation. Jeannie retired from Harris Corporation in 1992 after 22 years as an executive secretary. Jeannie was raised and attended school in Hornell, New York. Jeannie's first job was as a telephone operator for Bell Telephone in Rochester, New York and worked there until she married her husband Jerry October 31st, 1953. Jeannie was an avid member and costumer of the local Sweet Adeline's for years until problems with her singing voice and Jerry's health became more demanding. She was also a member of the Women of the Moose of Satellite Beach, Manatee Cove Marina, Patrick Air Force Base and the VFW Ladies' Auxiliary of Satellite Beach. She loved to play bingo, golf, play slot machines, travel and cause havoc whenever she could. She was a live wire and a quick wit all her life. Jeannie was a staunch animal activist and could not tolerate mistreatment of any animal. She touched so many hearts, always willing to help anyone in need, she will be missed dearly by everyone that had the pleasure to know her. Visitation will be from 1-2:00 p.m., Saturday, February 26, 2011 at Beach Funeral Home, Indian Harbour Beach. Funeral service will begin at 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be held at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.