Anyone whose life was touched by Lyla was affected by her kindness, warmth and empathy. She took those in need under her wing and nurtured them.
Born in Saint John, the daughter of Summer Earl-Coyle and Leo Coyle, Lyla graduated from Saint John High School with high honours in the IB program, and received a certificate of French language proficiency. Lyla received her bachelor of arts from UNB Saint John with first class honours in psychology in 2007. She received the Governor Thomas Carleton University Entrance Scholarship, the Edwin Jacob Special University Scholarship, and was on the Dean’s honour list during her all of her university years. Lyla was a member of the Golden Key International Honour Society.
After graduation, Lyla enrolled in graduate courses (gerontology and cross-cultural psychology) from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. She aspired to work with senior citizens.
Lyla received a certificate in psychologically safe leadership from UNB College of Extended Learning in 2023. She also received diplomas in human resources management (2015) and web design (2017) from Alison University. In 2012 she received a diploma in legal office administration from Eastern College, Saint John Campus, where she was awarded the highest grade certificates in data based management, corporate and commercial law, and business communication. During her internship as a legal assistant, Lyla wrote a blog article titled Mobility Rights: Children Moving to Another Jurisdiction.
Lyla co-owned two small businesses with her mother Summer: Butterfly Gardens Art and Acacia Leaf Press. Butterfly Gardens Art showcased handmade accessories, and Acacia Leaf Press published five literary novels with worldwide distribution.
Lyla was intellectually gifted and possessed exceptional organizational skills and a wealth of general knowledge. Above all, she was a diplomatic, unassuming and altruistic soul who gave far more than she received. She was wise beyond her years and possessed an endearing sense of humour.
During her school years, Lyla participated in a wide variety of activities including creative writing (poetry and prose published in the Telegraph-Journal), vocal performances, drama, piano, violin and saxophone. She also participated in science camps, talent teams, invention conventions and oratorical competitions (in both English and French).
Even from the time she was a toddler, it was evident that Lyla was an old soul. She behaved with maturity and level-headedness. She did not get into mischief, break rules or ask for material things. Lyla and her mother were inseparable companions, more like twin sisters, engaging in philosophical conversations and sharing adventures. Lyla taught herself to read and write when she was three and was doing basic math at age four.
As a teenager, she did not engage in the usual rebellious behaviours of that age group. Lyla remained sensible and grounded. She also did not impose her own values on her peers or judge their choices. Her friends were from a wide variety of backgrounds and there was mutual respect for each other despite different outlooks.
Lyla’s exceptionally high level of sensitivity led to her wish for healing the wounded. She had made plans to enter the social work program at UNB Saint John in September 2024.
Tragically, Lyla passed away on Jan. 13, 2024, from cancer. Even in her final moments she displayed remarkable grace and dignity. Her altruism shone through as she urged her parents to support each other after her passing. She asked her mother to inform her friends from other regions about her passing, so they wouldn’t think she was ignoring them.
In honour of Lyla’s legacy of kindness, dedication and integrity, and according to her wishes, Summer and Leo have established the Lyla H. Coyle Memorial Scholarship in Social Work. The scholarship is awarded to a female student enrolled in the bachelor of social work program based on financial need and academic achievement.
You may support the Lyla H. Coyle Memorial Scholarship in Social Work by donating online or by mailing a contribution to our offices in Saint John or Fredericton. Thank you for your support.
We encourage you to share this page with family, friends and colleagues who may have known Lyla, and to help honour her memory by making a gift in support of the memorial fund at UNB online or by mail.
Establishing named scholarships, bursaries or other funds is an easy and meaningful way to ensure that you or someone you care about is remembered with a special connection to UNB. Contact us to learn more.
