A golden heart stopped beating on Monday, January 27, 2020 when Lieutenant Colonel (Ret) Elizabeth Theresa McCoy (nee Fellin) was welcomed into heaven. Elizabeth passed away peacefully at her home at the age of 87 after a brief illness.
Elizabeth was born on February 29, 1932 in Hazleton, Pennsylvania. She received her degree as a Registered Nurse (RN) in 1953 from Mercy Hospital in Pennsylvania. Elizabeth joined the United States Air Force in 1955 and entered as a commissioned officer – working for the Corps of Nurses. In 1976, Elizabeth married Robert McCoy and remained with him until his death in 2001.
Elizabeth enjoyed a storied career in the United States Air Force. She traveled to many stations and worked/lived at many bases throughout the world. She often spoke of her travels and the many friends she had met along the way. She retired from the United States Air Force in 1981 after obtaining the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
Upon retirement, Elizabeth continued her education and obtained an Associate of Business Degree (ABA) in 1985. In addition, she obtained her Real Estate License and began working for Realty One Services. She then expanded her experience and worked for Compass Bank and First N.W. Florida Bank in the loan departments.
Elizabeth was an active member of her community up until her death. She belonged to the Retired Air Force Nurses Association and was a charter member of the Women in Military Service Association (WIMSA). Elizabeth also volunteered as an “Angel” for Eglin AFB Hospital and was a lector for St Michael’s Church, Eglin AFB.
Elizabeth loved her birthday – she was a leap year baby – born on February 29th! Elizabeth recently joked and delighted in the fact that she would turn 22 in February!
Elizabeth is survived by her cherished brother Richard Fellin (Irene), many attentive nieces and nephews (who affectionately referred to her as “Aunt Liz”) and two, loving stepchildren - Eric McCoy (Angel) and Estella Welsh (Michael).
Elizabeth was preceded in death by her husband Robert McCoy, parents Otto and Mary Fellin (nee Lenihan), and sisters and brothers, Margaret Losty (James), Nancy, James “Jerry” (Rosemarie), Thomas (Dolores), and Alice Ferdinand (John “Chico”).
Relatives and friends are invited to a Funeral Mass for Elizabeth on Saturday, February 29, 2020 at Holy Name of Jesus Church, 1200 Valparaiso Blvd. Niceville, Florida 32578. Calling hours begin at 10 am followed by a rosary service at 10:30 am. A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11am. Interment to follow at Heritage Gardens Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St Jude’s Children’s Hospital in honor of Elizabeth. She often prayed to St Jude and invoked his name in difficult situations.
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