Peter and Debbie Coogan met in 1973 while practicing law at the Boston firm Foley Hoag LLP. Married for 45 years, they raised two children, Tracy and Christopher, and are proud grandparents of three.

Peter was diagnosed with glaucoma in his early 20s and lived with significant vision challenges throughout his life. At Foley Hoag, he was an early adopter of personal computers, and he made great use of technology to facilitate his practice of law. He immersed himself in learning software—often knowing the programs as well as, or better than, the firm’s IT staff.

Over the years, Peter underwent many eye surgeries, including three corneal transplants. In 2008, he lost his left eye to a severe infection, and with worsening vision in his right eye, he retired from law at the end of 2009. Debbie retired at the same time, and the couple spent their retirement between their home in Newton, Massachusetts, and vacation homes in Arizona and Vermont.

In 2015, as Peter’s remaining vision declined significantly, he and Debbie discovered the Carroll Center for the Blind. While intrigued by the idea of learning JAWS screen reader software, Peter was hesitant about broader training. With some skepticism, he enrolled in the Carroll Center’s two-week Essential Skills program. Debbie recalls, “When I dropped Peter off that first day, this brilliant, accomplished lawyer was not happy—he didn’t know what to expect. But when I picked him up, he was energized and enthusiastic.” Peter embraced the new skills and deeply admired the Carroll Center staff. As Debbie put it, the Carroll Center “gave Peter his life back.”

Peter passed away in April 2020. In his will, he left funds for Debbie and their children to direct to causes close to his heart. Given the profound impact of the Carroll Center, it was a clear choice. A $100,000 gift was made from Peter’s estate: $50,000 established the Peter Coogan Technology Lab, and the remaining $50,000 was added to the Center’s endowment. “Peter would be delighted and so proud of this,” says Debbie. “It’s wonderful that his gift will make a lasting impact at a place that meant so much to him and to our family.”

Debbie continues their shared commitment as a member of the Carroll Center’s Ambassador Council, Development Committee, and the Philanthropy Circle of Independence. She also joined the White Cane Legacy Circle by naming the Carroll Center as a beneficiary of her retirement plan. Debbie requested that her legacy gift be designated to the unrestricted endowment. “A strong endowment is essential to the Carroll Center’s long-term financial stability,” she explains. “I’m proud to support the endowment so the Center can continue helping others navigate vision loss well into the future.”