Mary Elizabeth Coons

Mary Elizabeth Joyce Coons passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 15, 2024, just ten days shy of her 88th birthday. Born Christmas Day, 1936, in Louisville, Kentucky to William E. Joyce and Ethel Kyle Joyce, Mary was a proud lifelong resident of the Portland neighborhood. She and her four siblings grew up on Northwestern Parkway and had fond memories of family, friends, and neighbors throughout the community. If you are from Portland, you know.

Mary faced the many challenges throughout her life with courage, dignity, and grace. She displayed tremendous grit and resiliency during these times, while remaining strong for her family. Although small in stature, she was our rock. 

Possessed with a wry, and sometimes quirky, sense of humor, Mary was a fun-loving person and always enjoyed socializing and a good party. She had a youthful enthusiasm for music and dancing, and she and her dance partners were frequently the focus of attention on the dance floor. For many years, Mary joined her friends at the Churchill Downs VFW Post each Sunday for a night of dancing to Rob Brown’s music. She danced with the Louisville Rat Racers club, and also performed with the Oak & Acorn dance team at the Kentucky State Fair.

Mary was a regular at the Portland Neighborhood House where she enjoyed playing cards (especially Pinochle). A voracious reader, she frequently visited the Portland Library to check out the latest mystery or paranormal novel. Mary was also involved with various Portland civic agencies advocating for neighborhood improvements, and often volunteered in their efforts to help those in need. She was an active member of the American Legion Post and the former Shawnee VFW Post in the Portland neighborhood.

Besides her parents, Mary was preceded in passing by her husband, Bernard L. Coons; son, Kevin Klotz; brother, Bill Joyce; sisters, Joanne Welsh and Jackie Lynch. Left to cherish her memory are sons, David Klotz (Gail) of Sellersburg, IN, and Patrick Coons (Debby) of Floyds Knobs, IN; daughter, Karen Lally of Louisville, KY; sister, Geri Elzy (Rick) of Louisville, KY; grandchildren, Adam Lally (Chrissy) of Louisville, KY, Alan Klotz (Kelsie) of Groton, CT, Melissa Klotz of New Albany, IN, Eric Coons (Mattie) of New Orleans, LA, Elizabeth Coons of Floyds Knobs, IN; six great grandchildren; and very special friend and dance partner, Harold Cochran.

Visitation will be on Sunday, December 29, 2024, from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM, at Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions (3309 Ballard Lane, New Albany, IN). Mary’s Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, December 30, 2024, at 10:00 AM at Good Shepherd Catholic Church (3511 Rudd Avenue, Louisville, KY). Burial to follow at Portland Cemetery in Louisville, Kentucky.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to local animal shelters in Mary’s name. She loved animals of all kinds, especially her cats.

Please consider sharing a memory of Mary or leaving a special message for her family by completing the online Guestbook below.