Mrs. Lynne Denise Breen

Lynne Denise Breen (née Coughlin) of Bowling Green, KY died on May 15, 2025, at the age of 80 at the Greenwood Nursing and Rehabilitation Center following a period of declining health. Known as Denise to her family and friends, she was born September 15, 1944, in Philadelphia, PA to John D. Coughlin and Evelyn Mosey Coughlin. When Denise was a toddler, the family moved to Massachusetts. Denise spent most of her young life in Lenox, graduating from Lenox High School in 1962. It was on the first day of her senior year while walking to school, Denise met the love of her life, John Breen, a new student that she knew at first sight would one day be her husband. They lived their love story for 57 years with immeasurable devotion that was not even halted in death. John predeceased Denise on March 29, 2025. Denise loved growing up in Lenox and felt very connected to her hometown throughout her life. She regaled her children and grandchildren with stories of her high school adventures and hijinks so often, they could picture the stories unfold when they visited Lenox. In 1967, Denise and John were married at St. Ann’s Church. Together they raised two children and were blessed with three grandchildren who remember fondly that Denise believed occasionally having ice cream for breakfast never hurt anyone. Denise worked largely in the public sector, retiring in 2010 from the Kentucky Department of Vocational Rehabilitation. Denise also spent several years working at Plastipak Packaging where she made many dear friends. Denise generously volunteered her time over the years as a Sunday school teacher and Girl Scout leader. As a Girl Scout in her teens, Denise earned their highest honor, the Curved Bar, now Gold Award. Denise was a devoted mother. Her waking thoughts and nighttime prayers were always of and for her children. She was our safe haven in life’s storms and was always there to support us when life went sideways. Denise was the keeper of family lore, family photos and family traditions. Nothing made Denise happier than a cup of coffee and a chat around the kitchen table, sharing those stories and memories that now live on with her children and grandchildren. We love you forever and ever amen! Denise is survived by her children: Lynne Harting (Michael) of Latham, NY, Michael Breen (Collette) of Hendersonville, TN; grandchildren, Jack and Grace Harting and Berkley Lynne Breen to whom Denise was their beloved Gaga; sister Jill Sohl (Carl Cortes) of Joppa, MD and cousins who grew up in the same house with Denise as sisters-Linda Jacquot (Rich) of Tucson, AZ and Sally Gustavson (Dave) of Canandaigua, NY. She is also survived by her brother-in-law George Breen (Pamela) of Orange City, FL and sister-in-law Kathleen Breen of Dalton, MA as well as nieces, nephews and cousins. The family would like to thank the staff of Greenwood Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Bowling Green, KY for their compassionate care for both Denise and her family as well as dear friend Nancy Blacketer and the Smalling Family. We deeply appreciate your support during this difficult time especially when we could not be there ourselves. A Liturgy of Christian Burial will be held on June 7, 2025, at 10AM in St. Ann Church in Lenox. Burial will follow in St. Ann Cemetery. When we had a problem or a worry, Mom always turned to St. Jude for comfort and intercession. In honor of Denise’s memory, please consider a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html?sc_icid=home-btn-donate-now

Mrs. Lynne Denise Breen

September 15, 1944 - May 15, 2025