Obituary of Barbara Jean Coughlin

It is with deep sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Barbara Jean Coughlin at the Nashwaak Villa on August 24, 2026, at the age of 87. Born in Montreal, Quebec on August 16, 1939, she was the daughter of the late Benjamin and Elizabeth (Betty) Dickinson.

Barbara was predeceased by her husband, Ralph Coughlin, and her brother, Douglas Dickinson. Jean will be deeply missed by her daughter, Wendy Coughlin; sons, Rick (Tracy) and Doug (Lana). Jean was a devoted military wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and great grandmother, affectionately known as Nana Jean. Her greatest source of joy came from her five grandchildren: Shawn Coughlin (Maria), Chris Gatza (Heidi), Andrew Coughlin (Karine), Chad Coughlin (Cassandra), and Kelsey Coughlin. She was also a proud great gramma to Jack and was extremely excited about the arrival of her great granddaughter this December.

Jean had a lifelong passion for the game of curling, and later in life, fell in love with the sport of lawn bowling. She travelled and participated in tournaments & bonspiels year after year. She enjoyed meeting new people and developing lifelong friends who loved curling as much as she did. She worked for Canada’s Military Store, Canex each time we moved to a new military base. Later in her life and after caring for her own mother at home, Jean found a new passion and began offering help to families caring for a loved one at home. She also loved the simple things in life, like her pumpkin spice coffee, her soaps, and going for her walks. Jean will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude and heartfelt thanks to the staff of the Nashwaak Villa Nursing Home (Stanley) for the love and kindness they showed our mom every day, and for their compassion and care during her final days.

There will be no visitation or funeral service, but we will be organizing a Celebration of Life memorial at a later date to allow her family and friends to come together.

For those who wish, memorial donations may be made to the Nashwaak Villa Nursing Home in Jean’s memory.

Revelation 21: 4 

And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain; for the former has passed away.

Rest in peace mom, we love you.