Clara Coughlin

Clara Coughlin, 99, passed away on December 12, 2022 in Rockford, Illinois. Born February 24, 1923 in Rockford, Illinois, daughter to Sam and Alice (Caroti) Morreal. The family lived on Lincoln Avenue, and later Clover Avenue, in south Rockford for many years.

She worked at Barber Coleman Company in Rockford, and was a member of the Barcolaires singing group at the company. It was in this group that she met her future husband, Kenneth Coughlin. They married in October 1952, and lived in Tennessee and Massachusetts, before finally resettling in Rockford for good. She and her husband were devout Catholics, attending mass weekly until they were no longer able to do so.

She was a beloved mother and loving wife, and is survived by her children, David Coughlin, Kate (Ron) Surrey, and Tom (Catalina) Coughlin; her grandchildren Richard and Gabriel Coughlin.

She is survived by her younger brother, Charles Morreal, and numerous nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her beloved husband, Kenneth; her parents; and siblings Theresa Loven, John Morreal, Mary Morreal, and William Morreal.

A visitation will take place on Monday, December 19, 2022 at St. Bernadette Catholic Church, 2400 Bell Ave, Rockford, Illinois 61103, from 9:00 AM until the time of mass at 10:00 AM. Interment to follow at Calvary Catholic Cemetery, 8616 West State Street, Winnebago, Illinois 61088. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Wesley Willows Good Samaritan Fund, or to St. Bernadette Catholic Church. To send online condolences, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com