Ivy Joan Coffman

Ivy Joan Dixon Coffman, age 100, peacefully passed away on Saturday, March 21, 2026. She was born on May 3, 1925 in Walthamstow, London, England, to William and Emily Dixon. A survivor of The Blitz by the German Luftwaffe in World War II, it was during this time that she met her future husband and partner in life, Samuel Coffman, a U.S. GI that was stationed in London. In spite of an auspicious first meeting at a dance at Covent Garden in London, their love quickly blossomed and led them being married on September 15, 1945 at St. Mary’s Church in Walthamstow. It wasn’t until March of 1946, however, that Ivy was able to set sail for America – quite literally, as she rode the RMS Quen Mary across the Atlantic Ocean to the United States, settling with Samuel in Kankakee, IL. She would be one of 70,000 War Brides to relocate to the USA after the war. Upon settling in Kankakee, Ivy was employed as a seamstress and a button and belt maker for Singer Sewing Company in Kankakee. For the many women who were making their dresses at home throughout the 40s and 50s, Ivy was the one making the buttons and buckles that they would use to adorn their garments. She also worked for local interior decorators, making custom draperies. Ivy was a member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Kankakee. She also enjoyed being a member of a local club of War Brides from the United Kingdom. She enjoyed gardening and until recent years, never missed her daily walk around the neighborhood. Ivy was preceded in death by her husband; parents; brother and sister-in-law, William and Jean Dixon; son-in-law, Stephen Schmidt; and numerous in-laws from her Coffman family, all of whom welcomed her as one of their own. Survivors include her daughter, Cassandra Schmidt; grandchildren, Paul Schmidt (Brittany Cushing) and Caroline Leflar (James); great-grandchildren, Ewan Schmidt, Eleanor Leflar, Eli Schmidt, and Ivy Leflar; along with many nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations in Ivy’s name to Catholic Charities (who provided meals for her for a few years and do so for so many) and Uplifted Care in Bourbonnais. Arrangements are pending. “And may we meet again, in the clearing, at the end of the path.”

Ivy Joan Coffman

May 3, 1925 - March 21, 2026