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RoNELL LOUISE COCO
June 10, 1942 ˜ January 11, 2021
RoNell Louise Coco passed away Jan. 11, 2021, in Knoxville, TN. She was 78, and beloved by many.
Born June 10, 1942, in New Orleans, LA, RoNell was raised in Greenwell Springs, LA. An alumna of All Saints Episcopal School (Vicksburg, MS; 1960) and a graduate of the College of Agriculture at Louisiana State University (Baton Rouge, LA; 1964), she was a dedicated mother, daughter, sister and friend who enjoyed traveling abroad, hosting memorable dinner parties, and spending time with friends and family. She lived and worked in Baton Rouge, LA, holding key positions at Fidelity National Bank and First National Bankers Bank, and developed enduring relationships through her work and in the community.
In 1992, with her children off to college, she retired from banking and joined her twin sister, A’Daire, in Knoxville. There, she worked part-time in retail, giving her more time for travel, and cheered on her beloved SEC sports teams. RoNell and her twin moved to Vancouver, WA, in 2005 where she continued with part-time retail work and enjoyed exploring wine country along the Pacific Coast. In 2016, RoNell retired fully and returned to Knoxville to live near her daughter, Emily.
In fall of 2020, she suffered an unexpected illness. After receiving care at the University of Tennessee Medical Center - Knoxville, she transitioned to hospice and was able to spend time at home connecting with loved ones before passing away peacefully. The family would like to thank the caregivers at UT Hospice in Knoxville for their extra care and dedication during this extraordinary time.
Those closest to her will remember RoNell’s witty one-liners and sense of humor; excellent cooking; distinct voice and laugh; sense of style; and fun-loving spirit. Generous throughout her life, RoNell made the decision to donate her body for research purposes to advance cures for a variety of diseases.
RoNell is preceded in death by her parents, Maurine (Daniel) and Ronald A. Coco. She is survived by her daughters, Laura Maurine Coco (San Francisco, CA) and Emily Adair Coco (Knoxville); her twin sister, A’Daire Coco (Vancouver), and brother, Spencer Coco (Covington, LA); nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
Out of concern for the health and safety of others, a memorial service for family and close friends will take place at a later date.
Donations in memory of RoNell may made to Donors Choose, an organization that supports public school teachers and their students, www.donorschoose.org/inmemoriamronellcoco.
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I had the pleasure of meeting RoNell and A’Daire when helping them with landscape ideas for their home in Vancouver. I would run into RonNell occasionally when shopping at the mall. She did have a great smile and distinctive laugh. So sorry for your loss, I am sure she is greatly missed.
Margaret Stapenhorst
Acquaintance
February 8, 2021
To Maurine & family,
Now I know where you got your smile! I hope your family is able to find time to recollect and share smiles as a part of your mother's legacy.
Lowen
Coworker
January 28, 2021
Emily- sending love and condolences to you. I know this has been a long hard journey. Praying for peace and comfort for everyone.
Stacey Tull
Family
January 25, 2021
You were a kind-hearted person and I am so happy to have had the honor of meeting you.
Jill
Friend
January 25, 2021
Sis,
We really enjoyed our friendship with you.
We will certainly miss you.
Sherry and Joe
Sherry Ostrin Allen
Friend
January 24, 2021
To the family of Ms. Coco: She was my favorite patient at the dermatology office. She and I just "hit it off". She brought me the best magazines and the coolest treasures! I loved her wit, her beautiful eyes, her laugh and smile....I am so sorry to hear of her passing...She was an incredible woman. Thinking of your family at this time.
Paige Dailey
Friend
January 24, 2021
My dear friend, rest easy. Love you and miss you.
Beth Weill
Friend
January 24, 2021
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