Obituary of Louise Coleman Harrigan

Elmira: Age 91, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 4, 2014 at Appleridge. Louise was born April 3, 1923 in Woonsocket RI, the daughter of Louis E. and Mary (McDonnell) Coleman. She is predeceased by her husband Martin M. Harrigan, son James P. Harrigan, brothers, Paul and Kevin Coleman, sister Catherine Dunphy. Louise is survived by her children, and their spouses, Michael E. "Mick" and Wendy Harrigan of Fayetteville GA, John C. and Nancy Harrigan of Johnson City NY, Thomas M. and Christine Harrigan of Apollo Beach FL, William L. and Cindy Harrigan of Charlotte NC, Susan P. and Kristopher Thoren of LaFayette CA; grandchildren, Brian Harrigan, Bradley (Rachael) Harrigan, Michael Palermo, Brian (Josee) Palermo, Andrea Bayer, David (Christine) Harrigan, Kevin Harrigan, Heather Harrigan, Megan (Michael) Jameson, Matthew (Cindi) Harrigan, Martin M. "Mike" Harrigan II, Alicia Harrigan, Daniel Thoren, Jack Thoren; great-grandchildren, Rachel Bayer, Patrick and Kailey Harrigan, Robert Harrigan, Dylan and Clara Harrigan. Also surviving are sisters-in-law, Hope Coleman of Wilmington NC, Mona Coleman of Lincoln RI; along with several nieces and nephews. Louise was a graduate of Rhode Island School of Nursing. She served as a U S Naval Nurse during World War II. It was while working at the Chelsea Naval Hospital in Massachusetts that she met a patient, Martin M. Harrigan, who would become her husband. Louise's career as a nurse led her to various places….Boston Children's Hospital, Veteran's Hospital in Framingham MA, Syracuse Memorial Hospital, private duty nurse in a doctor's office, and finally to BOCES where she was the School Nurse for 10 years. Active in the Elmira community Louise was a volunteer with the American Cancer Society and a long-time volunteer with St. Joseph's Hospital Women's Auxiliary logging over 6,000 hours. A devout Catholic, she was a communicant of Our Lady of Lourdes Church for over 50 years. Family was Louise's first priority in life, always being there for her husband, children, and grandchildren. A gracious and wonderful woman, Louise always had a smile on her face. She will be missed. Friends are invited to McInerny Funeral Home, 502 W. Water Street, Elmira on Monday, September 8, 2014 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. A prayer service will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday, September 9, 2014 at 8:45 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Lourdes Church at 9:30 a.m. Interment, with military honors, will then take place at Woodlawn National Cemetery. Those wishing may remember Louise with a donation to one of the following, St. Joseph's Hospital Foundation, 571 E Market St., Elmira NY 14901, Ernie Davis Scholarship Fund, c/o Community Foundation of Elmira, Corning & the Finger Lakes, 301 S Main St., Horseheads NY 14845, American Cancer Society, P O Box 274, Big Flats NY 14814, Alzheimer's Association, 435 E Henrietta Road, Rochester NY 14620 or a charity of your choice.