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Winnifred Coates

Winnifred Coates

COATES, WINNIFRED JEAN (SUTHERLAND)
Winnifred Jean (Sutherland) Coates slipped peacefully and quietly away to life evermore, early Sunday morning, September 20th. Born in McQuade, NB on May 8, 1922, Winnie was the eldest child of Willie and Ethel (O'Neal) Sutherland. The good memories of childhood in the country were punctured by Ethel's sudden death in 1931. Subsequently, Winnie lived with her maternal Aunt Helen and Uncle Russell Morton's family. Ultimately, she became the person known by many: amiable, industrious, welcoming, kind, hospitable, accepting, companionable, trusting God through faith in Jesus Christ.
Most of her working life occurred with Eatons, where she hostessed in the dining room at Foundry St. before running the candy section at Highfield Square. In the hostessing role, she experienced the tutelage of Chef Gunnar whose insights shaped her lifelong love of food prep and presentation. Even at age 85, Winnie remarked, "I just love doing this!" to her guests.
In 1967, Winnie married Ellsdon Coates. A flourishing relationship, their union proved a highly companionable journey of shared love amidst strong family connections, adventures together and especially when hosting others in their home around their table. Ellsdon's death in 1986 remained an undiminished, lamented loss throughout her life.
Through many decades Winnie actively participated in the life and witness of the Moncton Gospel Hall, taught Sunday School, served in conference and other kitchens, and dedicated herself to the endeavours of the Women's Missionary Group. In this latter group, she found a deeply sustaining community of friends. In her later years, she also experienced friendship and community while residing at Church Court. Winnie so often expressed appreciation and gratitude for the numerous persons in her life who were good to her; these last three years she frequently spoke of the goodness of the staff at McNair Manor to her.
She is survived by her beloved brother, George (Shirley) of Dover, NB; younger sister, Edna MacLennan of Cap Pelé; brother, Harold (Ruth), Portland, ME; sisters, Glenna & Margaret Sutherland of Upper Coverdale, NB; Sue (late Art) Scott, Riverview, NB; Gwen (Jim) Church, Riverview, NB. Close Morton cousins, Marjorie (late Parker) Wells, Moncton and James (Norma) Morton, Montreal, also survive her, along with several other cousins, nieces and nephews, holding very fond memories of Winnie.
Brothers, Tom (WW2; Neimegen); Russell (Kay); Lorne (Bernice), as well as sister, Betty (Ken) Berry predeceased her.
Fergusons Funeral Home, 1657 Mountain Road, Moncton (858-1995) hosts visitation Wednesday, September 23 from 7:00 to 9:00 pm, with funeral service Thursday, September 24, 2015 at 11:00 am in Fergusons Funeral Home Chapel. Reception and burial following.
Memorials to Gospel Hall for the work of the Women’s Missionary Group or recipient of donor's preference.
Online condolences at
www.fergusonsfuneralhome.com

 

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