It is with sadness the family announce the passing of Claudena Coates age 95 on March 8, 2009 at Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre, Upper Nappan, N.S. Claudena was born February 8, 1914 in Collingwood, N.S. to the late Oscar and Hazel (Taylor) Austin. She graduated from Nova Scotia Teacher's College in 9133 and during her career taught at various schools throughout Cumberland County until retiring in 1972. Claudena and her late husband, Madley J. Coates farmed at Nappan for many years and upon retiring moved to Amherst Point. Following Medley's death in 1994 she moved to Smith St., Amherst and in 2005 went to stay at Victoria Manor in Amherst where she was very happy and well looked after by the wonderful and caring staff. Claudena was an adherent of First Baptist Church, Amherst, member of Greta Grimmer Women's Missionary Society, Retired Teacher's Association and had been active in various community organizations. Surviving are three daughters, Lorraine (Maurice) Coombs of Castleton, Ontario and Venice, Florida; Judith (William) Whalen of Gondola Point, N.B. and Marilyn (Malcolm) Logan of West Amherst, grandchildren; Marc (Eileen) Coombs of Colburne, Ont; Michael (Robin) Coombs of Oshawa, Ont; Joann Whalen of Montreal; Anthony Whalen of Montreal; Caroline (Grant) Boddy of Forestburg, Alberta; Yolande Whalen of Alberta; Heather (Gordon) Lane of Parry Sound, Ont and Charlene (Colin) Kelly of California. Claudena is also survived by 10 great grandchildren, sister Beryl Alderson of Amherst and brother Emerson (Lavona) Austin of Collingwood, N.S., sisters-in-law Ruby Coates of Amherst and Helen Meek-Burke of Ithaca, N.Y. as well as several cousins, nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Medley J. Coates, sisters Juanita Bickle and Sara Fletcher. In accordance with Claudena's wishes, there will be no funeral service or visitation. A graveside service will be held in the spring at the Amherst Cemetery, date and time to be announced. Donations in her memory may be made to the First Baptist Church, Amherst or a charity of choice through Campbell's Funeral Home, Amherst (667-9906) who have been entrusted with her arrangements. www.campbells-amherst.ca