Mary G. Coats' Obituary
Mary Grace Coats reached her 91rst birthday during a pandemic that cancelled eight months of family Sunday dinners, birthdays, holiday gatherings and loving hugs. Her brief hospital spiral was the bridge that led her home to her loving husband of 68 years, David, and her beloved Savior, Jesus Christ. Mary Grace left this world on November 20, 2020.
Mary’s most joyful moments were those spent with her family. She leaves behind four children, Cathee (Larry) Lemke, Janet Coats, James Coats, Mark (Jen) Coats; five grandchildren, Gabe (Melissa) Doran, Grady (Jenny) Doran, Rachel (P.J.) Forslund, Matt Coats, John Coats; two great grandchildren, Mariella Doran and Rowan Doran; and the dozens of nieces, nephews and their kids who looked up to Mary as their own mom and grandma, as she survived all her siblings, Betty Cole, John and Bruce Bigford and her parents, Catherine Elizabeth (Watkins) and Harold Bigford of Grand Rapids.
She was that mom and grandma who attended and gave encouragement at every horse show, swim meet, soccer match, etc., and even attended events just to support the friends of her children. She had a way of being a mom or grandma to everybody. Family will always fondly remember the 50 year tradition of Thanksgivings at Mary and Dave’s house where about three dozen family members would spend the day arm wrestling, story telling, shooting pool for the world championship, hiking and surrounded by so much love and laughter…oh, and gobbling up her amazing cooking!
Mary was the sweetest and most loving woman and was perfectly balanced by the right amount of spunk. She had a way of making you feel like you were the only person in the room, speaking and listening with non-patronizing intent. She always set aside time to listen and be there for anyone who needed it. Her glass was always half full and she radiated positivity.
She loved nature walks, a good thunderstorm, college football (GO GREEN), and all of her pets. Her strength came from her beloved church family and her PEO sisters, whom she adored. She was a lifelong Presbyterian, serving as teacher, Deacon, Elder and Trustee. Mary loved studying the Bible and was a member of Presbyterian Women’s Circle (Jane Bottje circle). Her commitment to Christianity and her desire to help improve the lives of women was reflected in her 50 years of active membership in P.E.O..
A celebration of Mary’s life will be held at a later date, after its safe for family members to fly in.
Donations in Mary’s honor can be made directly to www.loveinactiontricities.org or Love In Action, 326 N. Ferry Street, Grand Haven, MI 49417.
Please visit the family’s online guest book at www.sytsemafh.com.
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