Elizabeth Coonan

May 20, 1927 - January 17, 2024

Elizabeth “Buffy” Coonan passed away peacefully at home with her children and grandchildren by her side. We remember her as smart, funny, and kind, with never a bad word to say about anyone. She loved being surrounded by family, friends, neighbors and whoever else happened by. Everyone was welcome at the Coonan’s West Poplar home.

Born and raised in Fresno, Calif., Buffy attended Stanford University where she met her husband, Mike. She graduated with a teaching degree and taught school in the town of Wilseyville where she and Mike made their first home. They later moved to San Mateo where she lived for over 70 years. She loved to give back. Some of her volunteer and club activities included Junior League of San Francisco. She was one of the founding members of Coyote Point Junior Museum which later became Coyote Point Museum for Environmental Education (CuriOdyssey). She loved her garden and was an active member of the Hillsborough Garden Club, serving as president from 2003-2005. She started a vegetable garden at Center for Independence of the Disabled where she volunteered her time offering training in organic gardening.

Buffy loved the mountains, spending her youth at Sequoia Kings Canyon and enjoying her home at Bear Valley for over 38 years. She loved to teach her grandchildren all about nature, birds, and plants.

She is survived by her four children, Mick Coonan (Leslie), Katy Rhoades, Cory Carr, Tom Coonan (Jacque); six grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren; and Helen. Private services will be held later in the spring.

The family requests donations to: The San Mateo County Parks Foundation (supportparks.org) or the Wildlife Center at CuriOdyssey (CuriOdyssey.org).