She was born to Gerald Downing Newhouse and Enid Agassiz Newhouse in Vancouver, B.C., where her father was serving as the U.S. Consul General. She was raised in Portland and attended Madeleine Grade School, Holy Child Academy and Lincoln High School.

Gwen married Portlander, Jay Russell Coffey Jr., in 1940. They had two children prior to his departure overseas as a pilot in the U.S. Army Air Corps where he served in the China India Burma Campaign during WWII.

Upon Jay’s return, they moved to the Irvington District and added two more children to their family. Gwen resided in Irvington for the remainder of her life. Gwen and Jay were charter members of the Racquet Club and active members of the Irvington Tennis Club. They were deeply involved in their children’s activities and their extended families.

Gwen volunteered in the original OMSI on N.E. Hassalo Street, and actively participated in the Madeleine Altar Guild, the Archbishop’s Tea, and the Christ Child Society. She enjoyed playing bridge and remained involved in her long time book club until the last week of her life.

Gwen was preceded in death by her husband in 1978; beloved sister and best friend, Pat Kern in 2010; and youngest son, Tom in 2010.

She is survived by her sons, Russell (Crystal) and Gerry; daughter, Josie Whisnant (Gene); grandchildren, Jay, Scott, Melissa, Carrie, Will and Todd; great-grandchildren, Shay, Shane, Lillian, George and Colby; and stepsister, Marjorie Newhouse.

Gwen was blessed with a long life, vibrant personality and feisty spirit. Although she lived independently, she was rarely alone as she hosted a steady stream of family and friends.

A funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, November 21, 2013, at The Madeleine Catholic Church. Private interment will be in Riverview Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to The Madeleine Church, 3123 N.E. 24th Avenue, Portland, OR 97212 or a charity of your choice.