Ann Marie (Wachs, Coe) Wilkinson, age 87, of Ansonia CT, passed away peacefully in the comfort of her family on Saturday, July 18, 2026. She was born September 7, 1938 to the late Miller and Margaret (Kinsman) Wachs in Williamsport, PA. Ann graduated from Stratford High School in Stratford CT and the Philadelphia School of Art and Design where she studied fashion design. On January 1, 1960, Ann married the late Bruce Coe of West Haven CT and had three children. She is survived by her two sons Jeffrey Coe, wife Dawn of Bethany CT; Daniel Coe, wife Melissa of Ansonia CT and predeceased by her infant son Timothy Coe. She married her second husband, the late Thomas Wilkinson, and was a cherished mom to Melody Wilkinson of Lacona NY and Jared Wilkinson.
Ann worked as a seamstress for many years in the New Haven CT area and was a talented dressmaker. Over the years she designed and created countless gowns for weddings, proms and special events of her family and friends. She designed costumes and backdrops for the Stratford Shakespeare Theater and other theaters in the New Haven area. A prolific artist, she was always working on creative projects and passed down these skills to her children and grandchildren. She and her husband Bruce were active as scout leaders with the Boy Scouts of America, they also bred and raised German Shepherds. Ann practiced Tai Chi for many years and loved sailing in the Long Island Sound with her husband Tom.
Ann was a loving grandmother to Jeff’s children Andrew and Sarah Coe, Melody’s children Elijah, Magnolia, and Ryder Melissa’s children Daniel, Mark and Lydia Staires and great grandmother to Andrew’s children Caeden, Rylee, Sadie and Jaxson Coe. She is also survived by four sisters, Elaine Matto and Greta Jacobsen of Shelton CT, Martha Weintraub of Brooklyn NY, and Bonnie Huey of Orange CT, and several nieces, nephews, family and friends.
The Riverview Funeral Home, 390 River Road, Shelton, has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements. A celebration of life will be held by her family at a later date.