I had the great good fortune to gain Miriam as my Mother-in-Law when I married her oldest son, Bill in 1992. Early on in our relationship she told me how much she loved and admired her own Mother-in-Law, and her intention to be a great one as well. She could not have done better! Miriam welcomed me into her large and loving family with warmth and laughter. Although my life choices were very different from hers, she never judged me for time away from my family related to my career.

She and Bill Sr. were ideal grandparents to my sons Bill (another Willam) and Pete. Although it must have been tempting at times, she never gave unsolicited advice on raising those two characters. She sometimes provided quiet counsel on married life, which I appreciated.

Together in 2004, we survived the loss of my husband and her son Bill Jr. I continued to feel loved and regarded as part of the Coyle family for the next 20 years. Although Miriam was fun and outgoing, she was quiet about her values and opinions. But she had them- she was steadfast in her religion and making sure that her children and grandchildren were on the right paths in life. I loved and admired her tremendously and will try to follow her example as I am Mother-in-Law to two wonderful women. Rest in peace Miriam. I’ll miss you.