Coral Rae Mcilwain

Coral Rae McIlwain, 74, of Sylvania Township, passed away peacefully on Monday morning, November 18, 2013, surrounded by her family. Coral was well known as an antiques dealer, specializing in estate liquidation. She was a Charter Member of the Toledo Metropolitan Ladies Club and an active supporter of good causes. Until she became indisposed, she was knitting cotton bandages for victims of leprosy in Vietnam. Coral had a wry sense of humor and a matter-of-fact approach to life. Her greatest joy was in spending time with family, especially her beloved grandchildren. Coral grew up in rural Australia, and left school at a young age to help support her family. Several years later, as a young woman working in Sydney, she re-encountered a hometown boy there at university. Coral married Lionel McIlwain in 1959; over the next several years, they had four children, the family meanwhile moving repeatedly, first across Australia and then to the United States, finally settling in Toledo in 1969. Ever enterprising, she opened the familys first antiques shop on Main Street in Sylvania in 1971. Coral was born July 1, 1939 in Kempsey, New South Wales, to Henry Valentine and Emily Jones Byrnes, both descendents of pioneer Australian families. Survivors include her devoted husband, Lionel; children Catherine McIlwain Mark Boerboom, Craig McIlwain Elizabeth Libby, Margot McIlwain Nishimura David and Kelvin McIlwain Michelle; fourteen grandchildren; three great grandchildren; and sisters Noreen Dowling and Gay McLeod. Sisters Madge Williams and Greta Kelly preceded her in death. A gathering of family and friends will begin at 3:00 p.m., Friday, November 22, 2013 in the Walker Funeral Home, 5155 Sylvania Ave. west of Corey Rd. concluded with a sharing of memories at 6:30 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the Sparrows Nest at the Cherry Street Mission. Online condolences can be expressed at walkerfuneralhomes.com.