Fundraising appeal after deaths of Offaly husband and wife within two days of each other
A Tullamore family suffered a heartbreaking double loss within the last week, when a husband and wife died within two days of each other.
Steve and Geraldine Coughlan, of Arden View, Tullamore, were parents of three daughters and one son, and had thirteen grandchildren.
Steve Coughlan died peacefully in Tullamore Hospital on Sunday last, June 23. Tributes paid in the aftermath of his passing described him as a "gentleman", with local councillor Tony McCormack referring to his work as a taxi driver in an online tribute.
"I knew Steve for years, a lovely man. He used to bring me home in his taxi after a night out. So sad to hear this news," wrote Cllr McCormack.
His death was followed by the unexpected passing of his loving wife Geraldine (née Fitzpatrick) on Tuesday.
In the aftermath of the family's double bereavement, a GoFundMe online appeal was set up by Jean Molyneaux to assist with the funeral costs.
The appeal was launched on Wednesday, and at the time of writing, just under 24 hours later, a sum of more than €6,700 had already been raised through more than 170 individual donations.
"We as a community have come together to set this up to try to help the Coughlan family as much as we can at this very hard time. Anything big or small will be very much appreciated!" stated the GoFundMe page.
Steve and Geraldine Coughlan are sadly missed by their family Amanda, Jenny, Mark and Nikki, sons in law Martin and JP, daughter in law Tara, and their adored 13 grandchildren.
Steve is survived by his brothers Billy, Jimmy, John and Kevin, sister Margaret, brothers in law, sisters in law, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and many friends.
Geraldine is also sadly missed by her parents Martin and Rose, sister Imelda, brother Adrian, brothers in law, sisters in law, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and many friends.
The couple are reposing together at O'Reilly's Funeral Home, Harbour Street, Tullamore, this evening (Thursday) from 6pm until 9pm.
Their removal is taking place tomorrow morning (Friday) at 10am to Newlands Cross Crematorium, Dublin, arriving for an 11.30am Cremation Service.
May they rest in peace.