For the past 15 years, College Point resident Patricia Coffey has taken care of her two sons - Bobby, 39, who was paralyzed from the neck down 15 years ago in a motorcycle accident, and Keith, 25, who lost half of his hand in a firecracker explosion eight years ago.
Coffey never took enough time out for herself, her daughter, Tracy Dunn wrote in a letter to The Queens Courier. Dunn asked that the mother of four, who will be turning 60 on Wednesday, February 28, be selected as a winner in The Queens Courier/Makeover Contest co-sponsored by Christie & Co. Salon
“She has been depressed for a couple of months now,” Dunn wrote. “I think with a makeover, it would cheer her up again.”
On Wednesday, January 31, Coffey pulled up to the salon for a four-hour complete makeover - haircut, color, manicure, and pedicure, and a fresh makeup look.
“It was very nice. They did a very good job,” the beaming beauty said after the experience. “The girls were all very nice and friendly.”
To complete the look, Dora Gotsis chopped Coffey’s locks into a short, chic do; Tricia Ritchie added dimension with color and highlights; June Hong and Ala Akilova gave Coffey a luxurious manicure and pedicure respectively; and Makeup Artist Lisa Pietrocola applied flawless makeup designed to enhance Coffey’s features.
“Christie & Co. has always been supportive within our community. We are very happy to give back to those who need it. In conjunction with The Queens Courier, we are glad to offer pampering to those who have more stress in their lives than others. Far too often, women put themselves last,” said Christie & Co. owner Lois Christie, who also serves as the recently appointed President of Intercoiffure, an international industry organization. “For one half day, it is nice to be able to take care of them and make them feel special.”
Beforehand, Coffey was a bit nervous, but afterwards she said the results were worth it.
“I really love the hair,” she said, stroking her new, shorter cut. Coffey’s son, Keith, who came to pick up his mom at the Salon, said that the makeover made her look 10 years younger.
Coffey could not wait to show her new look to her husband, Bill; daughter, Debbie; and grandkids, 17-year-old Jackie, 7-year-old Kayla, and 3-year-old Ian.
