Mary Theresa (Coyle) Early

Mary, born in New York City on July 15, 1927, to Irish immigrants James and MaryAnn Coyle, died peacefully at home in Bellevue, surrounded by family and friends on November 24, 2013, after a brief illness.

She graduated from Newtown HS in Elmhurst, Queens, attended business school and met the love of her life, Joseph Early, whom she married in 1949. They made their first home on Long Island but lived in many places, including Naples, Italy, while raising their three children, Patti, Dennis and Bryan. The family settled on Mercer Island in 1965 where Mary became involved in church, community activities and worked for the MI School District and the Bellevue American newspaper.

Mary showed her love for her family and great Irish wit until her passing. She had many longtime friends and nephews and nieces who will miss her greatly. Mary was an amazing wife, mom, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and dear friend. She made all feel welcome and part of the family. Many will smile as they remember the annual St. Patrick’s Day parties and Christmas Eve lasagna dinners.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband Joe in 1997 and her four brothers, Charlie, Larry, John and Ray Coyle. She is survived by her children, Patti (Tim Murphy), Dennis (Sharon) and Bryan (Lee Ann); her grandchildren, Michael Murphy, Jeffrey Early, Matthew Murphy, Mara Early and Maia Early; great-grandchildren Tevian Early and Madison Murphy; and numerous nieces and nephews all over the country who adored “Aunt Mary.”

A memorial service will be held Monday, January 20, 2014 at 11am at St. Monica Church on Mercer Island. Please contact timandpatti@comcast.net for more information. Mary’s favorite charities were St. Monica’s Friends of the Needy and the Alzheimer’s Association.