Harpswell – Cecily Carlisle “Carli” Coughlan, 43, of Orrs Island, Maine and Seattle, Washington, died peacefully following a long illness on December 19, 2007 surrounded by family and the caring staff of the MidCoast Hospital.

Born June 27, 1964 , she was the third of four children of Peter Reed Coughlan and Cecily Baker Coughlan. A dedicated musician, equestrian and student, she attended Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts. Upon graduation, she received dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in Biology and Psychology at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island. While at college, she was a dedicated member of the Women’s Varsity Crew for several semesters. Immediately upon graduation, she moved west to train and apprentice with internationally renown rowing expert Frank Cunningham in Seattle Washington. She also became a member of the Lakeside School faculty as an English Teacher and Crew Coach. In her spare time she enjoyed training herself in her scull with the Lake Washington Rowing Club. Shortly thereafter, she was appointed head coach of Martha’s Moms (a Women’s Masters Rowing club). Under her gentle guidance, they secured two National Masters championships. In addition she began private tutorials and coaching for recreational and Olympic scullers.

Carli returned to the east coast to accept a teaching internship at Phillips Exeter Academy in the English Department as well as coaching their Junior Varsity Women’s Crew. During her two year tenure at Exeter, she pursued a Masters degree at the Breadloaf School of English in Middle bury, Vermont. Throughout her academic career, Carli was committed to the pursuit of grace in rowing through discipline, commitment, focus, the art of refined movement, the elegance of motion in and through the water, and the balance of body, boat and spirit. She was a dedicated educator and mentor in both the classroom and the boathouse. She valued her mentorship of elite athletes in both physical and personal development and growth. An accomplished pianist and composer, her work was often in demand.

Throughout her illness, she was a passionate student of healing modalities. She was a devoted alternative healing advocate for reiki, massage therapy, diverse energy explorations, acupuncuture, shaminism, rolfing and astrology. Reading, writing, music, birdwatching, kayaking, and letter writing to family and friends brought treasured relief from the classroom. In addition, she wrote a published book of poetry, a collection of short stories, as well as books of nonfiction and the art of coaching crew.

Carli is predeceased by her mother, Cecily Baker Coughan. She is survived by her father Peter Reed Coughlan (Orrs Island, ME), her brother Peter Baker Coughlan (Portland, ME), Her sister and primary caregiver, Christine DeCoursey Coughlan ( Orrs Island, ME), sister Poe Coughlan Cilley ( Alna, Maine) and nephews Jonathan Connor Cilley (Alna, Maine) and Tristan Hunter Cilley (Alna, Maine).

The funeral service will be December 23, 2007 at 2pm at Saint Philips Episcopal Church, at 48 Hodge Street, Wiscasset, Maine. A Memorial celebration of Carlis’s life will take place in Seattle later the spring. Friends and family are welcome to both.

In lieu of flowers, please send all donations to the Orrs and Bailey Fire Department, P.O. Box 177, Orrs Island, Maine.04066

Arrangements are under the care of Kincer Funeral Home 130 Pleasant St. Richmond, Me 04357.