Coreen Gilbert Obituary (1943 - 2025)

Coreen G. (McCoy) Gilbert, age 81, loving wife and mother, passed away on Wednesday, February 19th, 2025, at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne. Coreen was born on August 3, 1943, in Wolf Lake, Indiana, to Harold O McCoy and Sylvelda “Ty” (Egolf) McCoy. Coreen grew up with her caring brother, Jerry L. McCoy. She graduated from Churubusco High School in 1961 and Wheaton College in 1965. Shortly after graduating college, she enlisted in the U.S. Peace Corps, serving in Ghazni, Afghanistan, from 1968 to 1969. Coreen married her loving husband, Frederick Charles Gilbert, on November 2nd, 1973, in Adana, Turkey. She had a deep passion for books and spent 20 years as the librarian at Huntertown Elementary School. Coreen deeply impacted many former students, often receiving sentimental letters about how her work affected their lives for years to come. Coreen loved reading, bookstores, her ABC club, watching PBS, Purdue basketball, her farm, gardening, and family (especially the grandkids!). Coreen is survived by her loving husband of 52 years, Fred; brother, Jerry; sons, Dan (Julie) and Joe (Cyndi); and five beautiful grandchildren, Damon, Ellie, Chase, Delaney, and Emmie. Both Coreen’s boys became Colonels in the U.S. Army, with Joe still serving on active duty. The family will receive loved ones from 2:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, February 28th, at Sheets & Childs Funeral Home, Churubusco Chapel. Services will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, March 1st, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. with calling beginning at 9:00 a.m. After the service, the burial will be in Eel River Cemetery off Carroll Road. Memorials may be directed to Mazza or 89.1 WBOI public radio.