BRAINTREE – Jill Elizabeth (Whitten) Coyle, of Braintree, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at the age of 66, after a long battle with cancer. Jill was the beloved wife of John F. Coyle to whom she was married for 37 years.
She is also survived by her sisters, Judith Whitten of California, Jane E. Southerland and her husband Brian of Plymouth, and Janine C. Petralia and her husband Marc of Sandwich. Additionally, she is survived by her loving nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews, sisters- and brothers-in-law, cousins, aunt, and many friends. She was the daughter of the late Elliot R. and Claire E. Whitten and was also predeceased by her brother E. Robert (Bob) Whitten, Jr.
Jill was a graduate of Braintree High School and Westfield State College where she had many strong and lasting friendships. She ran many of her high school reunions as well as serving on the BHS Scholarship Committee for her class.
After college, Jill worked for Johnson and Johnson and then Haemonetics Corporation, where she helped implement and facilitate distribution of life-saving medical equipment around the world.
Jill was a devoted resident of the town of Braintree where she served on many committees and boards, including Planning Board, Town Meeting member, North Braintree Civic Association, Fair Housing Committee and League of Women Voters. She also served on Building Braintree’s Future, Community Preservation Act (where she received the “Carrie” Award), and Flaherty Elementary School Council where she also tutored MCAS 4th grade math.
Jill enjoyed traveling with her husband and her extended family from coast to coast. She was an avid Red Sox fan, having season tickets for many years. She was loved by many people and will be very sadly missed.
Burial will be private. A celebration of Jill’s life will be held at a later date.
Like her mother, Jill wished to establish a scholarship for a deserving Braintree High School graduating senior. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in memory of Jill to the Jill E. Coyle Memorial Scholarship, c/o John Coyle, 83 Parkside Ave., Braintree, MA 02184.