Kathleen Coan

Kathleen June Coan, a beloved resident of Montereau in Tulsa, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 31, 2024, at the age of 85. Born on November 4, 1938, in Waupaca, Wisconsin, to Franklin and Helen (Dahlen) Adams, Kathleen lived a life marked by leadership, generosity, and a vibrant personality that left an indelible mark on everyone she met.

Kathleen dedicated much of her life to serving others, culminating in her role as President and CEO of the Tulsa Area United Way. Her career as a United Way professional began in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, and took her to Chicago, Madison, Wisconsin, and San Francisco before she made Tulsa her home in 1984. Within three years, she rose to the position of President and CEO, where she led with passion and vision. Under her leadership, the annual campaign goal more than tripled, and the number of member agencies grew significantly, reflecting her commitment to coalition building and community service.

Kathleen was a woman of many talents and interests. She attended Wisconsin State College for theater and vocal studies. Her love for music was a lifelong passion, often singing karaoke and had many sing-alongs around the piano with friends and family. One of her favorite songs was "It Had To Be You" - reflected her commitment to the United Way and its mission. Her love for cooking and entertaining were historic - from gourmet family dinners before that was a thing, throwing huge cocktail parties, to bringing in breakfast for the team at the United Way - this was Kathleen's true love language.

Kathleen was known for her larger-than-life personality. While a true diva in the best of ways, she never asked anyone to do something she wouldn't do herself. Her love for football, including the Green Bay Packers and the Cowboy's Roger Staubach, was legendary. Kathleen also started the family pet tradition of standard poodles and beautiful fluffy cats, with too many to name but all had a special place in her heart.

Her contributions extended beyond her professional life. Kathleen was active in the local community, serving on the Board of Trustees for the Tulsa Community Foundation, the Board of Tulsa Ballet Theatre, and as a member of the Downtown Rotary Club. She was honored as the 2002 Tulsan of the Year by TulsaPeople Magazine and received numerous accolades for her leadership and dedication.

Kathleen is preceded in death by her parents. She leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories with her daughters, Jennifer and Alisa; her sons, Jeff and Greg; her sister, Judy; her four grandchildren and great grandson; and a host of loving relatives and friends.

A Gathering and Time of Remembrance will be held on Thursday, September 12, 2024, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Schaudt Tulsa Funeral Service.

Arrangements are entrusted to Schaudt Tulsa Funeral Service & Cremation Care, 5757 South Memorial Drive, Tulsa, OK 74145. Family and friends are invited to leave kind words of comfort, special memories, and condolences online at www.schaudtfuneralservice.com. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Tulsa Area United Way.