Marie Louise Norberg Coburn, 82, of East Hartford, breathed her last on (Saturday, January 31, 2009) at St. Francis Hospital's Hospice. Marie was born in Cambridge Massachusetts on November 11, 1926 to Pauline and Samuel Norberg.
After graduation from St. John's High School, she joined the Maryknoll order and studied in New York to become a nun. She maintained a close relationship with Maryknoll for many years. Marie moved to Connecticut when she wed her husband of 51 years, Richard E. Coburn.
A devout and thinking Catholic, Marie lived her faith. She led by example and devoted her life to her family. Marie loved the beach, and she shared her love of skiing by teaching her children. She taught catechism, ran the Brownie troop, was a Eucharistic minister and volunteered at St. Isaac Jogues' food pantry. She performed countless acts of kindness to so very many.
Besides her husband Richard, Marie leaves five children and five grandchildren: Peter & Ann Coburn and their sons Daniel and James of Old Lyme; Carol Coburn of Hartford and Simsbury; Richard & Peg Coburn and their daughters Mary Katherine, Grace and Christina of West Hartford; Stephen Coburn of East Hartford; and Daniel Coburn of Hartford. Marie was predeceased by her son John Coburn and his three children; Tammy, Christina and Richard. She is also survived by her sisters: Ruth Harding, Barbara Bohan, Betty Percuoco, and Alma O'Reilly as well as many nieces and nephews. But it was her grandchildren. They were her light, her comfort and her joy. Following funeral services Friday, February 6, Mass was celebrated at St. Isaac Jogues Church, East Hartford.
Donations may be sent to St. Isaac Jogues Food Pantry, 1 Community Street, East Hartford, CT 06108 or to the Maryknoll Sisters, P.O. Box 317, Maryknoll, New York 10545-0317.
