Elizabeth Coughlin

Elizabeth Anne Coughlin, nee Balaun, joined her parents in heaven this past Monday, May 22 after a brief battle with glioblastoma. Beth was a life-long resident of Akron, Ohio. She was a member of St. Sebastian Parish where she attended grade school. She was a graduate of St. Vincent-St. Mary High School as well as the University of Akron.

Beth lived a full life and idolized her two beautiful children, Joe (29) and Allison (26). She was their biggest cheerleader. She was so supportive of them and the lives that they are living. She loved talking with Joe about golf and hearing about Allison's nursing career. The common thread amongst her family centered on her Australian Shepherd Ryder. Beth's laugh was infectious.

Beth met her husband, Don, while attending STVM. They were high school sweethearts and attended the University of Akron together. Not long after graduating, they were married on August 4, 1990. Beth loved spending time with Don who often made her laugh. It was usually his unique antics that would make her shake her head and flash her smile. She truly loved her family.

Beth was also a great sister to her older brothers Ed, John and Bill. She was an inseparable sister and best friend to Kathy, and a doting aunt to her nieces and nephews. She is now united in Christ with her mother (Anne) who passed away in 1981, and father (William J. Jr) who died in 1993.

Beth is survived by: brothers Ed Balaun of Akron; John (Michelle) Balaun of Austin, Tx.; Bill (Mary Ann) Balaun of Chicago; sister Kathy (John) Mullin of Akron; children Joe and Allison and Joe's girlfriend Camille; in-laws Don and Ellen Coughlin of Stow; sisters-in-law Erin (Mike) Holland of Charlotte, N.C., Meghan (John) Graziano of Silver Lake; brother-in-law Bill (Angie) Coughlin of Akron. Missing her greatly will be nieces and nephews Natalie and Billy Balaun; Olivia Balaun; Jack and Julia Mullin; Michael, Will and Meghan Holland; Joe, Landon, Adrian and Jacob Graziano; and Clara, Fiona and Martha Coughlin. Additionally, Beth is survived by many cousins, relatives and friends near and far.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 pm on Thursday, May 25, 2023 at Hummel Funeral Home, 500 East Exchange Street, Akron. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, May, 26, 2023 at St. Sebastian Catholic Church, 476 Mull Ave, Akron. Burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, 100 E. Waterloo Road, Akron.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to VelaSono Bike Race that supports cancer research through the Cleveland Clinic at https://give.velosano.org/fundraiser/4575928.

Her is story is not over. Beth's family will continue to honor her life.