Ellen “Mary” Coates
May 25, 1925 - January 23, 2016
Our beloved mother Mary passed away peacefully with her children at her side on January 23, 2016. She was 90 years old. Born in Birmingham, England, Mom grew up in Brighton, Sussex, the oldest of 9 siblings. Mom was pre-deceased by our Dad, Lloyd Coates, in 1974. She is survived by her 5 children: Jean Cleary (Tom), Victoria BC, Bill Coates (Linda), Summerland BC, Susan Giannotti (George), Summerland BC, Evelyn Roberts (Hal), Summerland BC, and Liz Pybus (Ralph), Kelowna BC, as well as by 15 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren and 3 great, great grandchildren. She is also survived by her siblings in England and Australia. Serving in the WAC as a switchboard operator during WW II, she met and married our Dad when he was stationed in England. She arrived in Canada as a war bride in 1946. The family lived first on the prairies and moved in 1957 to Summerland, where Mom resided ever since. She loved her job as a stenographer working for Agriculture Canada, retiring in 1986. Always active, with a love of sports, Mom curled, bowled, cycled, and swam. But foremost she was an avid golfer, enjoying both the Summerland Golf and Country Club and Sumac Ridge Golf Club. She was lucky enough to be golfing into her mid-80’s. Mom was a proud, life-long member of the Summerland Legion, where she served for many years on the Ladies Auxiliary. She was also a passionate traveller and liked to say that if someone’s car was moving, she was getting in it. There will be a family celebration of Mom’s long and wonderful life on a sunny day this summer. She will be dearly missed by her loving family and many friends. Her energy and enthusiasm for life was her gift to us all. As Mom always thought, “que sera sera.” The family wishes to express its warmest gratitude to Dr. Martine LeBel, the nurses at the Penticton Hospital and Interior Health, as well as to Alex, and her friends and staff at Angus Place, where Mom spent many very happy years.
Condolences may be directed to the family through providencefuneralhomes.com.