A. Barbara Coyne

Dr. Barbara Coyne who was born in Dubois, PA on December 5, 1929, died at Vincentian Home on Tuesday, November 9, 2021.

Dr. Coyne was an accomplished Grief Counselor, educator, and author who facilitated the Grief Support group of our funeral home for over 30 years. Over her career she helped thousands of people with sound advice, blunt evaluations, keen listening and profound respect for each individual she counseled.

Pardon me as I write this personal remembrance.

In 1985, I first met Dr. Coyne at a grief seminar at Braddock Hospital. It was a unique event as it was the first of its kind. I took my grief-stricken uncle and through her presentation, she gave hope to him and all who were there in need of understanding.

Shortly after that evening, we arranged for her to do a similar presentation in the community at St. William Church in East Pittsburgh. Over 150 people came. We knew from that evening that Dr. Coyne was needed on a more regular basis. So, for over 30 years, until she was no longer physically able to care and help, she provided support once a month and shared her knowledge with the folks seeking help in the group.

She also facilitated at other groups that were created, had her own practice called The Dwelling Place and with all of her knowledge and experience, wrote a book about grieving called “You Don’t Have to Like It, but You Do Have to Live It”.

Thank you, Dr. Coyne, for sharing your gift of understanding, your knowledge, and your gentle, yet firm, counsel to people who were lost and in need of your help.     

Thank you Barbara and May God be good to you!

Pat Lanigan