Dr. Harriet Coeling's Obituary
Dr. Harriet Coeling, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and sister passed away suddenly on February 2, 2026.
Harriet was born on December 3, 1943, in Grand Rapids, Michigan to the late Louis and Helen Van Ess (née De Graaf). She shared 55 loving years of marriage with her devoted husband, Ken Coeling. Together they built a life centered on family and their Christian faith. She was a devoted mother to her daughters, whom she adored: Valerie (Mark) Nandor and Beverly (Bill) Corder. Her grandchildren Charis and Rose Nandor, Caleb Corder, and Calla Bartschi each held a special place in her heart. Harriet is also survived by her sisters, Lucille De Fouw and Carol Dykema.
Harriet dedicated her professional life to nursing education. She shaped generations of nurses through her work teaching at Kent State University, coordinating the Online Journal of Issues in Nursing, and volunteering with Nurses Christian Fellowship.
Outside of her career, Harriet found great joy traveling the world with her husband. Together, Harriet and Ken explored every continent, embracing different cultures and experiences, a reflection of her boundless curiosity and love of learning. Her faith, desire to travel, and professional background converged in the needs surveys she conducted through World Renew.
Dr. Harriet Coeling will be remembered for her intellect, compassion, dedication to others, and unwavering love for her family. Her legacy lives on through the countless lives she touched as a nurse, educator, mentor, and through the faith she passed on to the family she cherished so deeply.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Sunset Chapel, 6245 Columbia Road, North Olmsted, Ohio 44070.
A funeral service will follow immediately after the visitation in the Sunset Chapel.
A graveside service will be held on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens Cemetery, 2894 Patterson Road SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49512.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to World Renew (https://worldrenew.net/).
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