Longtime Salem Resident Shirley Ann Coffey Passes Away at 90

Coffey was a dedicated member of the community and beloved family matriarch.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 3:31pm

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An impressionistic, out-of-focus photograph depicting a hazy, warm scene of a small-town main street with a church steeple in the distance, conveying a sense of nostalgia and community.The passing of a beloved community member marks the end of an era for the tight-knit town of Salem.Salem Today

Shirley Ann (Schaubert) Coffey, a 90-year-old resident of Salem, Illinois, passed away on March 26, 2026, at SSM St. Mary's Hospital in Centralia. Coffey was born in 1935 and spent her life devoted to her family, working as a cook at Salem High School for many years. She was remembered for her kindness, quiet strength, and the love she shared with those closest to her.

Why it matters

Shirley Ann Coffey's passing marks the end of an era for the tight-knit community of Salem, where she had been a fixture for decades. As a longtime resident, dedicated community member, and beloved family matriarch, her death is a significant loss for the town.

The details

Coffey was a faithful member of the First Christian Church in Salem and spent her life devoted to her family. She worked as a cook at Salem High School for many years and enjoyed hobbies like puzzles, knitting, canning, gardening, and tending to flowers. Coffey is survived by her son, Kent Coffey of Odin, five grandchildren, and several great-grandchildren, all of whom brought her great joy.

  • Shirley Ann Coffey passed away on March 26, 2026.
  • Coffey was born on April 18, 1935 in Fairman, Illinois.
  • Coffey married Robert Bryan Coffey in 1956 in Odin, Illinois, and they shared 59 years of marriage before his passing in 2016.

The players

Shirley Ann (Schaubert) Coffey

A 90-year-old resident of Salem, Illinois who passed away on March 26, 2026. Coffey was a faithful member of the First Christian Church in Salem and spent her life devoted to her family, working as a cook at Salem High School for many years.

Robert Bryan Coffey

Shirley Ann Coffey's husband of 59 years, who passed away in 2016.

Kent Coffey

Shirley Ann Coffey's son, who lives in Odin, Illinois.

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What’s next

Graveside services for Shirley Ann Coffey will be held at 1:00 pm on March 31, 2026 at Hillcrest Memorial Park near Centralia with Phil Martin officiating.

The takeaway

Shirley Ann Coffey's passing marks the end of an era for the tight-knit community of Salem, where she had been a fixture for decades as a dedicated community member and beloved family matriarch. Her kindness, quiet strength, and devotion to her loved ones left a lasting impact on all who knew her.