Lee Anne (Hardiman) Coffey, business manager of the Environmental Health and Safety Headquarters Office, passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 28, at Massachusetts General Hospital after a courageous battle with breast cancer. She was 41.
A resident of Halifax, Mass., Coffey served MIT for 21 years in different roles, beginning in Facilities, followed by Environmental Medical Services, the Senior Counsel's Office and the Environment Programs Office.
Lee Anne was a wonderful friend and colleague, and a devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister and aunt who will be missed beyond words, colleagues said. They noted that everyone who knew her felt her kindness and sincerity, and that she possessed a remarkable gift for putting people at ease and was always there to lend a hand to anyone in need.
"Lee Anne is a shining example of dedication to her family, her work and the community. MIT has lost someone special," said Managing Director for Environmental Programs Bill VanSchalkwyk.
Lee Anne loved being a mother and enjoyed camping, hiking and outdoor activities. She also served on the Halifax Conservation Commission. She is survived by a husband, Jim Coffey, and their two children, Jimmy, 6, and Elora, 1.
Calling hours will be held from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 1, at the Shepherd Funeral Home, 216 Main Street, (Rte 106) Kingston, Mass. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, Feb. 2, at the funeral home. All other services will be private.
Donations can be made to the James and Elora Coffey Memorial Fund c/o The Community Bank, 110 Main Street, Bridgewater, MA 02324.
A memorial service celebrating Lee Anne's life will be held at a later date at MIT.
A version of this article appeared in MIT Tech Talk on February 4, 2009 (download PDF).
