Cleo Marie Biddle Coonfare
October 1, 1943 ~ July 29, 2020
TARBORO - Cleo Marie Biddle Coonfare, age 76, passed away at home surrounded by her loving family on Wednesday, July 29, 2020. Born in Portage, WI on October 1, 1943, she was the daughter of the late Lt. Col. Donald William Biddle and Viola Evelyn Dreyer Biddle. She was also preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Wayne Gary Coonfare.
Cleo grew up the daughter of an Army Colonel traveling from station to station. She met Wayne while he was serving in the United States Air Force at Beale Air Force base in Marysville, CA. In 1961, they were married in Coquille, OR. The couple settled and raised their children in Oakland, OR. In 1982, they relocated near family in the Coos Bay area. Cleo was an orthopedic nurse at Bay Area Hospital for almost 30 years. Her second love was quilting and sewing. Her memory will be cherished by her family and friends and so many others who were blessed with a quilt made by Cleo. Her quilts kept us warm, but her laughter warmed our hearts even more. She was forever grateful to those who did anything for her. Around 2014 she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Her husband cared for her until his passing in March 2019. After which she moved to Tarboro to live with a daughter and son-in-law. Cleo was blessed by wonderful caregivers who all fell in love with her sweet, uncomplaining, selfless spirit. She loved most being around her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She did love those babies. She will be sorely missed.
Cleo is survived by her sons, David Coonfare of Littleton, NC and Dan Coonfare (Jill Harper) of Cottage Grove, OR; daughters, Jeannie Coonfare Hill (Chris) of Tarboro, NC, Janice Coonfare of North Bend, OR; sister, Betty O'Brien of San Antonio, TX; sisters-in-law, Melody Storts of Coquille, OR, Sherose Abrahams of Huntley, MT; grandchildren, Bradley Coonfare (Jessica), Derek Coonfare (Jacki), Adam Hill (Sarah), Daniel Hill (Helen), Evan Hill, Zachary Hill (Heather), Carianna Boyd (Chris); great-grandchildren, Addison, Graham and Rory Coonfare, Carleigh, Audra, Fletcher and Fallon Hill; many wonderful nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Cleo's Life will be held on Thursday, August 6, 2020 at 6:30 PM in the Chapel of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services with Cleo's son-in-law, Chris Hill officiating. Visitation with the family will follow the service in the Atrium of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home until 8:30 PM.
Flowers are welcome.
Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.
Visitation
Atrium of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home
1130 N. Winstead Ave.
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
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Thursday 8/6, 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Visitation with the family will follow the service in the Atrium of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home until 8:30 PM.
Service
Chapel of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home
1130 N. Winstead Avenue
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
ID ) ); ?>"> --> 252-451-8800 --> |
Thursday 8/6, 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
A Celebration of Cleo's Life will be held on Thursday, August 6, 2020 at 6:30 PM in the Chapel of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services with Cleo's son-in-law, Chris Hill officiating.
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Please accept our deepest condolences for your family’s loss.
So very sorry for your loss! With deepest Sympathy!
So very sorry for your loss! With deepest Sympathy!
In memory of Cleo Marie Biddle Coonfare, Kristy Rice lit a candle
Prayer for you and your family.
My condolences to the family. I recently met Cloe when Dan and I began dating 4 years ago. She was such a shining light! Whenever we’d go visit her and Wayne, she was always so happy, sweet, loving, kind…she also made some of the most beautiful quilts that we have displayed in almost every room of our home where her memory will be a constant. She will be very missed.
Cleo and I worked together at Bay Area Hospital in the Orthopedic unit. I’ll always remember her for her ready smile, infectious laugh, gentle touch and great intuition. My heart aches for your loss and the last years of her journey clouded by dementia. Peace to you and your families. Terrye Laird
I will always remember Cleo as the most welcoming. She always greeted me with a glorious smile and hug. She made me a beautiful quilt that I adore. Sending love and blessings Kristy Rice ( friend of the family )
I remember when the Biddle family used to come to our Dreyer farm to visit. Cleo and I would always take a walk in the woods. I think we were trying to keep up with Betty, Joan, and Joyce but of course they made sure they stayed way ahead of us. I seldom wore shoes so I would get sandburrs in my feet and Cleo had to take them out. We always enjoyed our walks and I will never forget them. I always enjoyed our visits too! Great memories.
Sending hugs to all of you! Cherish the memories!
Janice , I am so sorry for your loss. Losing a parent is so hard. I enjoyed your mom, she was a wonderful person. My thoughts are with you. Kim
Thank you all for your kind words and sweet memories of Mom. We appreciate you thinking of us, and sending a message. Love to you and your families. From Cleo’s family.