Andrea Kay English, 73, of Colon, MI passed away Friday, February 13, 2026 at Cameron Health in Angola, IN.
In accordance with her wishes, cremation has taken place with a celebration of life and burial of ashes at Fort Custer National Cemetery to be held at a later date.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Dutcher Funeral Home in Coldwater, MI.
Andrea was born January 1, 1953 in Coldwater, MI, to Sterling and Maxine (Ely) Coffey. August 16, 1980, she married the love of her life, Charles J. English, in Coldwater.
She grew up in Coldwater where she developed a strong work ethic and deep compassion for others. She volunteered at the Community Health Center of Branch County, where her kindness and steady presence brought comfort to many. She worked at Bronson Plating and also owned and operated a carpet cleaning business, Coldwater Carpet Care.
She later continued her career in public service, retiring from the federal government as a private secretary to the commander of the Hart-Dole- Inouye Federal Center for the Department of Defense. She carried out that role with diligence and integrity.
Andrea was an active and proud member of both Battle Creek Elks Lodge #131 and Coldwater Elks Lodge #1023. She made history as the first female Exalted Ruler in Battle Creek and the second female Exalted Ruler in Coldwater. She embraced the opportunity to lead and serve in various roles, leaving a lasting mark on her Elks family and community.
From a young age Andrea developed a lifelong love of animals. She found joy in riding and caring for horses. She had a special place in her heart for cats and dogs and spent many years raising Cocker Spaniels and Siamese Cats. Her hobbies included listening to audiobooks, tending her garden, playing Solitaire, camping, and collecting hummingbirds – she had an appreciation for the simple pleasures of life.
Above all else, she cherished her family. Her strength, humor, and nurturing heart will be deeply missed by all her knew her. Andrea’s legacy of compassion, leadership, and devotion to family and friends will live on in the many lives she touched.
She is survived by her husband, Charles English of Angola, IN. Andrea leaves behind her children, Eric (Shelley) Krall of Mishawaka, IN, Melissa (Shaun) Clark of Bronson, MI, step-daughter Shirley (Tony) Miller of New Orleans, LA; her siblings Norman Coffey of Muskegon, MI, Doug (Sandy) Coffey of Quincy, MI, Rhonda McNitt, Elaine Irwin both of Coldwater, MI; her grandchildren Charlie, Austin, Sarah, Alex, Megan, Brandon, Jesse; her 8 great grandchildren, and many loving nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her stepfather, Robert Taylor; her siblings Terry Coffey, Debbie Watkins, and Bobby Taylor; her stepson Charlie English Jr., her grandson Zachary English, and Earl Krall her first husband and the father of her children.
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