Patricia L. Coughlin

Patricia L. ("Patty") Coughlin passed away on February 8, 2022, after a long illness. She lived with her daughter Erin Coughlin and Erin's family at the family home which Patty and her husband Eugene Joseph ("Pat") Coughlin built shortly after WWII ended.  Pat and Patty raised eight children at the home - 4 boys and 4 girls.  Services will be 9:00 am Friday February 11 at Most Pure Heart of Mary church. 

Patty was born in Osage City, Kansas January 13, 1924, the first child to J. F. ("Frank") and Louise O'Neil.  Frank and Louise had three more children - Margaret, Catherine, and Jimmy.  Patty survived her parents and siblings.

Patty attended Capitol Catholic High School (now Hayden High School).  In 1943, she met Pat, a native of Galveston, Texas, at a USO dance in Topeka. Pat and Patty were both involved in the war effort - Pat as a flight engineer in the U.S. Army Air Corps and Patty as a worker at the Fairfax Kansas City plant that opened on December 7, 1940, a year to the day before the Pearl Harbor attack.  The plant employed 50,000 people and produced almost 7,000 B-25 bombers.

Pat and Patty had many friends, including Reverend Bernard J. Coughlin ("Barney"), Pat's brother, and a host of Jesuit priests and seminarians. They threw great parties that are fondly remembered by their children, Mike, Kathy, Kevin, Kerry, Shane (who passed before her), Kelly, Erin, and Eileen. In addition to her children, she has a legacy of 76 grandchildren and great grandchildren. 

Pat and Patty made a lasting contribution to Topeka in 1969 when they spearheaded the founding of Let's Help, which provides food, clothing and inspiration to those in need.  They started the organization around their kitchen table.  Patty was the first Executive Director, as a volunteer. Let's Help has grown into a successful organization that makes Topeka a better community. 

The family suggests that donations be given to Let's Help in memory of Patty and sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6^th Avenue, Topeka, KS 66603.

Fond memories and condolences may be left at www.brennanmathenafh.com.