http://www.cooganresearchgroup.com/crg/index.htm

04 January 2014

Obituary of Joyce (Sharp) Coogan

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(extracted from "Wilmington News Journal" [DE], 03 JAN 2014):
 
JOYCE SHARP COOGAN
(1927-2013)

[photo]

AGE: 86 - Wilmington

Joyce Sharp Coogan died peacefully at home on December 30, 2013, 
surrounded by her loving family. Joyce was born in Swedesboro, NJ 
to Helen Farrell Sharp and Raymond Sharp. She was raised in 
Haddonfield, NJ, and graduated from Haddonfield Memorial High 
School in 1945. Joyce then put herself through college, graduating 
with a major in fashion design in 1950 from the Moore College of 
Art in Philadelphia. While attending college, Joyce married the 
love of her life, Arthur Paul Coogan, in 1949 and upon his 
graduation from veterinary school, they moved to Wilmington, where 
he opened his practice in 1952.

While raising their children, Joyce began studying with the late 
Edward Loper, Sr., noted Wilmington artist. With his encouragement, 
she attended the Barnes Foundation of Art in Lower Merion, PA for 
four years studying art theory and philosophy. Joyce's paintings, 
which often featured vibrant interpretations of landscapes, spring 
flower arrangements, or Wilmington landmarks, were exhibited 
throughout the area and are treasured by many in private 
collections. Throughout her life her passion for art endured, and 
she continued to paint until this past year. Joyce was a long-time 
member of the Council of Delaware Artists (CODA).

Joyce loved spending time with her family, and was a devoted wife, 
mother and grandmother. She and Paul enjoyed traveling to Europe 
and various exotic destinations, where she was often inspired to 
paint. She would invariably return home from a journey with 
watercolor paintings and sketches for her family to enjoy. Joyce's 
great love for her family was a source of strength and inspiration 
to her husband and children.

Joyce was predeceased by her husband of 64 years, A.P. Coogan, 
V.M.D., who died on October 8, 2013. She leaves to cherish her 
memory Rear Admiral Cynthia Coogan, USCG, Retired of Crofton, MD; 
Kevin Coogan, V.M.D. (Amy) of Wilmington; Kathleen Collison 
(Russell) of Warwick, MD; and Joyce Hartmann (Michael) of 
Wilmington. She is also survived by grandchildren Paul and Scott 
Collison, Catherine, Anna, Joseph, and Lillian Coogan. Her sister 
Jean Romano of West Chester, PA and 6 nieces and nephews also 
survive Joyce.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, January 7, 2014 
at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, 2800 Duncan Road, Wilmington, DE 
19808, where friends may call from 10:00-11:00 a.m. Burial will be 
private. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Joyce may be 
made to the Parkinson's Disease Foundation, 1359 Broadway, Suite 
1509, New York, NY, 10018, or to the Elsmere Fire Company, 1701 
Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington, DE, 19805. To send condolences 
visit: www.mccreryandharra.com.

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