Virginia Kathleen Coe

Virginia Kathleen Coe, MSN, NP-C, PCCN, 44, died at home on March 8, 2026. She was born on February 11, 1982, in San Jose, California, to Margaret “Maggie” Coe.

Virginia is survived by her mother, Maggie Coe; her sister, Margaret “Marcy” Coe Edenfield and husband Matthew Edenfield; her brother, William “Billy” Bernard Coe; her beloved nieces, Mo and Morgan Edenfield; aunt Bernadette Weingarten, and her loving dog, Penny. She was preceded in death by her uncle, Gary Weingarten, and maternal grandparents, Bernard and Angela Coe, as well as many other family that loved her dearly.

Virginia is also survived by a large extended family across the country who loved her completely. She was everyone’s favorite person. She was kind, funny, loyal, and positively brilliant, and she had so much more to give to the world.

Virginia was born in San Jose, California, and grew up throughout the state, living in San Pedro and Yucca Valley before eventually moving to North Carolina with her family. Summers were often spent at her grandparents’ home on Roberts Avenue with her mother, sister, and brother, surrounded by cousins, aunts, and uncles. Those days were filled with tractor rides, climbing trees, swinging, running, and making every day the best day ever.

Family travel was also a big part of Virginia’s childhood. The family RV was frequently packed for short trips or cross-country adventures, sometimes just to visit the ocean for a picnic or to spend time with relatives on the East Coast. By the time she was a teenager, Virginia had visited 48 states. She had an incredible imagination, loved to play, never met a stranger, and was always ready for the next adventure or surprise.

Virginia graduated from Millbrook High School in 2000. She received her Associates in Nursing from Wake Technical Community College. Shortly after, she began her career with the Duke Health system with cardiothoracic surgery. While working full time, she earned her Bachelor's and Master’s degrees in Nursing Science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, completing the dual program in 2019. She continued her career at Duke Health as a Nurse Practitioner in cardiothoracic surgical stepdown. She loved her role as a provider, working alongside dedicated staff and helping facilitate the opening of the Duke Medical Pavilion.

Virginia was inspired to pursue nursing by her grandmother, Angela, who served as a nurse during World War II, and then as an ED nurse. Over the course of 20 years in the Duke Health system, Virginia made a difference in countless lives. She not only cared deeply for her patients but also formed lasting friendships with colleagues. When she was hospitalized, many former coworkers came to visit, and when she was discharged, staff from her former unit lined the hallway to honor her in a Walk of Honor. Seeing the faces of those who meant so much to her cheering her on meant everything as she left for the last time.

Virginia, affectionately called “Auntie Gigi”, was the most beautiful, exceptional, perfect, aunt to her two nieces, Mo and Morgan. One of their favorite traditions was going on “reposes”, little outings for ice cream, boba, or coffee, then sitting in the car or at a park talking about anything and everything. Often the girls were teaching Auntie Gigi something new, but there was always something in the moment for them as well. They called each other any and all the time, snuggled, bought one another presents, sent cards, took ridiculous pictures, made mixed tapes, debated randomness, watched TV. Virginia always wondered why they wanted to hang out when she felt like she didn't do anything, but it was everything. Gigi gave them the very best of herself, and the love they shared will always remain. She will be the best guardian angel.

Virginia had a special bond with her Auntie Bern. They were kindred spirits, best friends, and companions throughout her journey. The love they shared was magical. Auntie Bern never left Virginia’s side in her last week. Virginia left this world feeling her warmth and light into heaven with her. She knew how much we all loved her because of her Auntie Bern.

Her cousins Angela Weingarten, from Tennessee, and Jessica Vargas, from California, were at her side in the hospital, and at home in her last days. Virginia carried immense love for both of them and was so happy to have them with her and at home. We all shared laughs, processo, pastina, prayers, love, and held hands. So much family came by, called, texted. We are forever changed with the loss of our Gia.

There are no words that can fully capture the love felt for Virginia as a daughter and sister. Her family is extremely grateful they were able to bring her home. The final weeks moved quickly, but the time spent together was precious. Though they desperately wish for more time, they take comfort in knowing she is no longer suffering and is at peace, watching over everyone from a giant porch, sharing a meal with our family and puppies in heaven, with Scruffy barking to drive her crazy, and especially her loyal Primo and sweet Maizie nearby.

As you walk through life, remember Virginia by choosing kindness. Call and text the people you love. Send cards to kids. Buy the balloons. Buy the flowers. Stop for a “repose” and enjoy the moment. Don’t complain. Be fierce. Just be. And most of all, move through life with grace and love. Most of all, love.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made online in her honor to the family at:

https://gofund.me/9b96d25aa

The Coe family would like to thank Dr. Anne Glover, the Duke Cancer Center, and the Gynecology Oncology team, Dr. Andrew Berchuck, Dr. Brittany Davidson, Kim Nolte, PA-C, and Georgia Smith, MSN, FNP-BC. The floors of 9200 and 9100. Gratitude also to Vice President Jill Engel for your care, respect, and love for our family during this process.

We encourage all women to learn more about women's health and ovarian cancer. Education, screening and self advocacy are essential.

The Coe family is under the care of Hall-Wynne Funeral Service. Online condolences may be shared at www.hallwynne.com by selecting “Obituaries.”