Rebecca Havenstein-Coughlin, age 62 of Canton, passed away April 8, 2020.

Rebecca was born on July 4, 1957 in Trenton, Michigan to Shirley Havenstein (Marquardt) and the late William Havenstein. Rebecca had 3 sisters and a brother, Morene (Podlaski), Julie Havenstein, Kristine (Fargo) and the late Bruce Havenstein.

It was with great sadness that Michael said farewell to Rebecca Havenstein-Coughlin, his wife and BEST friend of 43 years. Rebecca died peacefully at home at 12:25 AM. Words cannot describe this terrible loss. Rebecca had a way of making people feel loved and important. And with Rebecca’s “signature smile”, a smile unlike any other, you had no choice but to smile back, her smile was that special!

Rebecca met her husband, Michael, at Eastern Michigan University when Rebecca was a sophomore and Michael, a senior. Sitting next to each other in class, the teacher (Dennis Beagen) instructed the class to get into small groups of 3 or 4 for the four months to complete their group project. That started a relationship that turned into the “greatest love story of all-time”. They married August 7, 1981, at Greenfield Village, riding off on a horse and carriage.

As Rebecca journeyed through this life, people were her treasures. It was because of these many great friendships that Rebecca left this world a very, very rich woman. RHC (Rebecca), was known for her caring, kindness, positive energy, enthusiasm and of course….her beautiful SMILE.

Rebecca’s career at the Canton Public Library started in 1980. At that time, there was no public library in Canton. Rebecca helped build the Canton Public Library from the concept to reality. For the next 38 years, as Department Head of Information Services, Rebecca has her “fingerprints” all over the library. Rebecca’s passion, commitment and dedication for almost 4 decades is best described by this comment from an employee at Canton Public Library….”You are still a strong influence at CPL, as all you’ve done there, continues to inspire our staff, and the impact you’ve had is practically radiating from the walls.”

Michael is extremely grateful and humbled by the outpouring of love and support Rebecca has received during the last 28 months. The testimonies written by countless friends, gives them great comfort….THANK YOU.

On April 8th….the family had a private memorial for Rebecca. A celebration of “Rebecca” will take place in the future.

“I will forever be grateful that I had the privilege and honor to be her husband and best friend. I love you Rebecca (Bunny Rabbit) with all my heart. And to Rebecca.....my "BASHERTA".....the "Love of my Life".....thank you for taking Beagen's class.”