Edna Isabel Coons, 91, of Fort Pierce, Florida, formerly of Catskill, New York, passed away on June 2, 2026.

Edna was born on September 11, 1934, in Stafford, England, the daughter of Charles and Harriet Ann Tunstall.

Her life changed forever when she met Berton Coons in York, England. The two were introduced at a dance while Bert was serving in the United States Air Force and stationed in England. Edna was not especially impressed at first, later describing him as a "tall, lanky Yank." Bert, however, was persistent. The following day, determined to see her again, he stopped every double-decker bus he could find until he located the one Edna was working on. Their chance meeting blossomed into a loving marriage that spanned decades until Bert's passing in January 2021.

After beginning their married life together, Edna and Bert eventually settled in Catskill, New York, where they spent the majority of their lives. There they raised their family, built lasting friendships, and became well known through their restaurant businesses, including ownership of the Town & Country Restaurant in Catskill and the Chief Taghkanic Diner in Martindale. Later in life, they enjoyed escaping the cold northern winters for the warmth and sunshine of Florida, where they made many cherished friends at Spanish Lakes Country Club Village in Fort Pierce.

Edna especially treasured the friendships she built over the years with employees and customers. One of Edna's greatest joys was reconnecting with former employees and hearing their fond memories of working alongside her and Bert.

To many in the Catskill community, Edna was more than a restaurant owner—she was a friend, mentor, and familiar face whose warmth, humor, and generosity made everyone feel welcome.

Her home was always open to family visiting from England. Whether it was for a few days or an extended stay, Edna welcomed relatives with open arms and made them feel at home. She would happily give up her car, and her children often gave up their bedrooms, so that visiting family members could be comfortable. Many family dinners were shared at the restaurant, where relatives gathered around the table, catching up on years of stories and laughter. The Coons household became a home away from home for generations of relatives traveling across the Atlantic.

Edna's family will forever cherish the memories she created, the values she instilled, and the love she shared so generously throughout her life.

She is survived by her children Debbie Wilson of Melbourne, FL, Glenn (Carlene) Coons of Latham, NY, and Lois (Michael) Overbaugh of Catskill, NY; her niece Teri Wilson of Malta, NY; brothers Tom Tunstall of Wheldrake, England and Jim Tunstall of Fulford, England; and many nieces and nephews in England.

She was a proud grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother to Jamie (Eric) Schepp and their children Avery and Julia; Rebecca (Matthew Keith) Doidge and their children Natalie (Wyatt) Cooper and Abriana Keith; and Natalie and Wyatt's children Alayna and Jameson; Rachael Coons; Devan (Demos) Pappas and their children Michael and Isabel; Lauren (Sanjeev) Rao and their son Theodore; Kylie (Gary Mazzacano) Overbaugh; Cara (Thomas) Krzeminski and their children Wiley and Kendall; and Tanner Overbaugh.

In addition to her husband, Bert, Edna was predeceased by her parents, Charles and Harriet Ann Tunstall; brother Henry Tunstall; and sisters Harriet Ann Moore, Doreen Budd, and Mary Mandefield.

Calling hours will be held on June 22 from 5-7 p.m. at Traver & McCurry Funeral Home, 234 Jefferson Heights, Catskill, NY.

In keeping with Edna's wishes, her ashes will be divided. One half will be interred beside her beloved husband, Bert, at Saratoga National Cemetery in New York. The interment will be private.

Although Edna spent nearly seventy years in America, England always held a special place in her heart. She never lost her love for the country of her birth and affectionately referred to England as "home" throughout her life. Her children will accompany the remaining half of her ashes to Fulford, England, where she will be laid to rest with her parents, returning her to the place she always considered home. A funeral service will be held there on August 7, 2026, where her brothers, Tom Tunstall and Jim Tunstall, many nieces and nephews, and dear friends will gather to celebrate her life and share memories of a woman who was deeply loved on both sides of the Atlantic.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Cairo United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 552, Cairo, NY 12413.

Funeral arrangements are under the care of Breanna Lennon DelVecchio of Traver & McCurry Funeral Home, Catskill.