Obituary of Mary Jill Coon

Olean, NY Mary Jill Coon, 71, of Olean, passed away on Friday, (September 9, 2022) at Olean General Hospital, after a lengthy illness and with loving family at her side. Born June 4, 1951 in Olean, she was the daughter of Edward and Clara Wenke Pfeiffer. She married James L. Coon on September 15, 1973 at Sacred Heart Church in Portville. In 1969 she graduated from Hinsdale Central School where she was a member of the marching band. After high school, she moved to Rochester where she worked for Urban Renewal. Missing the Olean area, she returned and worked as a secretary at CONAP and later at St. John’s School until it merged with St. Mary’s School and became Southern Tier Catholic School. Dedicated to her work, she also brought joy to students and staff through her thoughtfulness and generosity. She was a member of St. John’s Church in Olean. Over the years she served her parish in many capacities by volunteering for faith formation instruction, parish committees, and numerous fundraising events. She lived a life of prayer and devotion to her faith. Mary Jill was very close to her family and loved visiting with family and friends. She enjoyed phone conversations and holiday celebrations. She made everything special. She also loved to travel, and she particularly enjoyed several trips: the cross-country road trip to the state of Washington to visit family, the Walt Disney vacation with her grandson, and the journey to Oregon with her husband. Mary Jill will be sadly missed by many, especially her husband James of Olean; daughter Beth (Trevor) Burlingame of Lakewood; grandson Matthew Burlingame of Lakewood; sisters Kathleen Routly of Rochester and Gail Pfeiffer of Olean; nephews Christopher and Scott Routly of Rochester; in addition to many cousins and extended family members. Mary Jill was the Godmother to Christopher Routly, Kimberly Burroughs Rivers, and Matthew Burlingame. She was the best friend anyone could ever have. She was predeceased by her parents Edward and Clara Wenke Pfeiffer; mother-in-law Olive Collins Coon; father-in-law William E. Coon; brothers-in-law Thomas Routly and Francis E. Coon. The family will be present to receive friends on Thursday from 3-7pm at the Casey, Halwig & Hartle Funeral Home, 3128 W. State Rd., Olean. A prayer service will be held Friday (September 16, 2022) at 10:15AM in the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11AM at St. John’s Church in Olean. Burial will follow in St. Bonaventure Cemetery. Memorials if desired may be made to the Hinsdale Volunteer Fire Department 3832 Main St. Hinsdale, NY 14743, or to a charity of the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be expressed at oleanfuneralhome.com.