Shirley (Schmelder) Coughlin

Shirley (Schmelder) Coughlin, 81, of Terryville, recent widow of the late Peter J. Coughlin, passed away on Thursday, July 30, 2026, at Autumn Lake Healthcare at Cromwell. She was born June 20, 1945, in Bristol and was one of 9 children born to the late Louis and Lavina (Mugford) Schmelder.

Prior to her retirement, Shirley was employed by the State of CT as a secretary in the Office of Adult Probation. Outside of work Shirley loved to spend time with her husband Pete.  She enjoyed working on her home, collecting various artifacts and landscaping their beautiful yard.  She treasured time with her grandchildren and eventually her great-grandchildren and never missed the opportunity each year to sing happy birthday over the phone to each one.  Shirley and Pete spent many years traveling with friends and enjoying trips to local wineries.  In her retirement she took up golf and her and Pete would spend many afternoons enjoying a round.  

Shirley leaves behind her son Thomas Coughlin and his wife Kate of Greenfield, MA; her daughter Kelly Shea and her husband Edward of Newport, RI; her sister Marilyn Schmelder of Bristol; her brothers Larry Schmelder and his wife Jean of Bristol and Howard Schmelder of Bristol; her sister-in-law Judith Plourde of NV; her grandchildren, Kelsey Greene and her husband Dan, Abby Even and her husband Jack, Brigid McGrath and her husband Jay, Maible Coughlin and her partner, Patrick Gillespie and Oliver Coughlin, her precious great grandchildren, Peter, Tommy, Avery and Olin and many nieces and nephews. Besides her beloved husband, Pete, Shirley was predeceased by her parents and her siblings, Robert, William and Gordon Schmelder, Dorothy Bergeron and Beverly Guimond.

Family and friends are invited to visit at the Scott Funeral Home, 169 Main St, Terryville on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, from 10 AM to 11 AM, with a service at 11 AM. Burial will follow in Peacedale Cemetery Bristol. www.scottfuneralhomeinc.com

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