Thursday, October 30, 2028 | 10:30 AM
Evelyn Coffey, a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away peacefully at her home on October 18, 2025, at the age of 97, surrounded by her family and loved ones.
Born on August 21, 1928, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Rena and Cecil Hughes. Evelyn was the youngest of three children, with her sister Adabelle Nichols and brother Burt Hughes. From an early age, she had a deep love for music. She pursued this passion at Drury College in Springfield, Missouri, earning a degree in music and classical voice, followed by an additional year of study with Dr. Raymond Koch.
Right after college Evelyn joined the St. Louis Municipal Opera Company (The Muny) for a year before her beautiful soprano voice led her to sing as a paid soloist at synagogues, churches, and with the Washington University Opera Company until 1966.
On November 28, 1952, Evelyn married the love of her life, Jack Coffey, at the Old Cathedral in St. Louis. They shared 34 wonderful years of marriage until Jack’s passing in 1987. Together, they moved to Edina, Minnesota, in 1966, where they raised their three daughters. Evelyn continued sharing her gift of music as both a choir member and soloist at Lake Harriet Methodist church. Evelyn became a Catholic in 1982 and joined Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, where she shared her musical gift in the Schola choir.
She cherished her time spent playing card games with friends and family, especially Phase 10 with her three beloved grandchildren. She loved taking long walks, traveling to the North Shore each year, and, in royal fashion, raising corgis. Not to be forgotten, her current furbabies - Cody and Teddi.
Evelyn is survived by her three daughters, Kathy Arp with her fiancé Steve Kensinger, Pat Coffey, and Judy Hinz with her husband Chuck Hinz; and her three cherished grandchildren, Charles Hinz (Logan Halliday), Jack Hinz, and Sarah Hinz (fiancé, Ben Jackson). She is also survived by her sister-in-law Mary Geusz, many loving nieces and nephews along with her beloved Missouri cousins and longtime friends Gretchen, Sharron/Bill, Elaine and many others.
We want to express our gratitude to the Allina Hospice Angels that helped us care for our Mom though her journey: Abby, Julie, Mary, Megan, Karla , Tim and many others. We would also like to express our gratitude to the OLG Communion Minister’s: Maureen, Linda, Lu Ann, Rosemary, and Marie that shared the Eucharist and their love and friendship.
Her grace, warmth, and love of music will continue to resonate in the hearts of all who knew her.
The Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, October 30th at 10:30am with visitation beginning at 9:30am, at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church in Edina, MN: 5071 Eden Ave, Edina, MN 55436. The burial ceremony will take place on Friday, October 31st at 11:00am at Fort Snelling National Cemetery: 7601 34th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55450.
Memorials preferred to Second Harvest Heartland Food Bank, St Jude’s Children Hospital and to Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church.