Obituary of Hilarion Coughlan

The death of Hilarion Coughlan of Douglas, NB, husband of Patricia O’Leary, occurred peacefully after a lengthy struggle with Alzheimer disease on October 27, 2012, at the York Care Centre, Fredericton, NB. Hilarion was born in Tracadie, NB, November 24, 1934, the son of John Coughlan and Elisabeth Robichaud. In addition to his spouse, he is survived by eight siblings, namely, May Bertrand (late Gaetan), Mildred Melanson (late Rodolphe), Irene Kohr (late John), Rosemarie Coughlan (Danny McDade), Beverly O’Hearn (late Don), Brenda Doiron (Omer), Keith (Thérèse Ferguson) and Brian (Jimena Vergara), as well as many nieces and nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews. Other than his late parents, two sisters, Carmel Coughlan and Elsie Larsson, predeceased him. Hilarion had a richly varied and fulfilling life. His early education was received at the Académie Ste-Famille in Tracadie, followed by high school and baccalaureate studies at le Collège St-Joseph, Memramcook, NB. This took him to the Holy Heart Seminary in Halifax, N.S., where he received his Baccalaureate in Theology. He was ordained into the priesthood for the diocese of Bathurst, NB, on May 23, 1959. Hilarion served in Bathurst, Campbellton and Dalhousie parishes. In 1972, he obtained his degree in social work at the Université de Sherbrooke. Professionally, his greatest satisfaction was working for and with the less fortunate. He was indeed always known to have walked that extra mile for others. On a personal level, he was a man of great faith and always strove to nourish it. Throughout his life, he fostered many great friendships and connections with people in all walks of life. Participatory sports, especially baseball and hockey, theology, history, music, languages, travel, genealogy and movies were all connectors for him. However, his greatest connections were with his large family. People seemed to be such a natural part of his life. Hilarion was particularly proud of his Irish and Acadian roots. His books, magazines, clippings and music collections attest to this.. The last twelve years of his life, he struggled with the ever-increasing effects of Alzheimer disease. This burden he carried with great courage and dignity, never afraid of sharing his true experiences dealing with such a disabling disease. Rest in Peace Hilarion. Visitation will take place at York Funeral Home, 302 Brookside Drive on Friday, November 9, 2012, from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 7 to 9 p.m. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at St. Theresa’s Church, 1 William Street, Fredericton, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 10, with Father John Jennings officiating. Mass will be followed by a reception in the church basement hall. The ashes will be buried in the Coughlan Family plot in Tracadie, NB, at a later date. Grateful thanks to York Care Centre and especially to the entire staff in the Birch Grove Atrium, in Tower 3, and the doctors who cared for him in such a kind and compassionate way. For those who wish, donations may be made to the local Alzheimer’s Society, the bursary fund of the Irish Canadian Cultural Association of NB or the charity of your choice. Online condolences and the sharing of memories may be expressed through www.yorkfh.com.