90th Birthday Tribute to Marie Coffey

June 22, 2010
McCooK, Nebraska

Friends and fans of Marie Coffey will join in a musical tribute to the locally renowned teacher, director and accompanist in celebration of her 90th birthday.

The musical program, open to the public, will be Tuesday evening, June 22, at the historic Fox Theatre. Contributions will be received in Mrs. Coffey's honor for the Fox Theatre renovation project.

"Marie's contributions to McCook's musical and theatrical scene have been immense," said Charles Coleman, chairman of the Fox Operations & Events Committee. "The theatre is honored to host this program in her honor."

Friends will be playing and singing some of Marie's favorite songs from previous musicals at the event, which begins at 7:30 p.m.

Through the years, thousands of students, church attendees and musical show crowds have been treated to the piano and organ expertise and insights of Mrs. Coffey, who is locally renowned for her pleasant personality and positive attitude.

When Marie and her husband, Ken, arrived in McCook 63 years ago she was already a seasoned teacher and pianist, having performed throughout her grade school and high school years in Maywood and Curtis. She went on to major in music with a piano emphasis at Bethany College in Lindsborg, Kan., then began a teaching career that led her first to Brewster, Kan., then to Gothenburg, Maywood, and, ultimately, McCook.

Soon after arriving, Marie began making her mark on the McCook musical scene. She started teaching here in 1947, at first sharing elementary music instruction duties with Eva Altberg. Later, Marie taught at West Ward, East Ward, the old junior high and Central before the elementary school's move to the new building.

From the beginning, Marie's love for music went beyond the classroom. Only months after arriving in McCook, Marie became the director of the choir at the Memorial United Methodist Church. Today, 62 years later, she continues in that capacity.

Another milestone for Mrs. Coffey is her role as an accompanist for the Southwest Nebraska Community Theater Association. She became involved with SWNCTA 25 years ago, and remains active to this day. "What thrills me the most are the productions which involve youth," she said. "I love to teach and shows like Annie, Oliver and Sound of Music have given me a chance to continue to be involved with children."

During the quarter of a century, the Southwest Nebraska Community Theater Association's performances have come full circle. "SWNCTA started with 'Music Man' in 1985, and will be presenting 'Music Man' again in the spring of 2011," she said.

Even with all that, there's still more to the Marie Coffey musical story. On other occasions, she has given piano lessons, and played the piano and organ at weddings and funerals.

It's been a fulfilling life for Mrs. Coffey, who counts two children, two granddaughters and a great-granddaughter among her blessings. Her children, both now retired, are Karen Hokom of Farmington, N.M, and Steve Coffey of Grand Island and Austin, Tex. Marie's husband, Ken, passed away in 1991.

As Marie approaches her 90th birthday, she thrives by staying active and maintaining a positive attitude. She delivers Meals on Wheels, plays bridge, reads extensively and communicates with her family by e-mail.

And, of course, as she has done since the age of four, Marie plays the piano. Not only does she play at church and accompany show performances, but she has a piano at home. It sits in the living room, where it is the center of interest.

"The piano was a gift for my birthday two years ago," she said: "88 keys for 88 years." It is that kind of spirit which has not only sustained Marie Coffey throughout her life, but has also given great enjoyment to her friends and fans throughout McCook and Southwest Nebraska.