Helen R. Coates

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Silver Spring, Maryland

Helen Coates Obituary

HELEN REGINA DUFFEY COATES (Age 86)
Peacefully on Thursday, January 27, 2011 of Ellicott City, MD. Beloved wife of Dr. Robert J. Coates; mother of Cecile M. Ledford, Yvonne M. (Christopher) Grant, Regina M. Daniel, Terese M. Thorsen, Rolf A. (Cathy) Thorsen, Cynthia M. Thorsen and Bonnie A. (John) Ott. Also survived by 11 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews. Relatives and friends may call at Collins Funeral Home, 500 University Boulevard, West, Silver Spring, MD (Valet Parking), Tuesday, February 1, 2011 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Prayer service to be held at 7:30 p.m. Interment private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Gilchrist Hospice Care, 11311 McCormick Road, #350, Hunt Valley, MD 21031.www.COLLINSFUNERALHOME.com

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Published by The Washington Post from Jan. 29 to Jan. 31, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Helen Coates

10 Entries

Karen Fenedick

February 9, 2011

Just wanted you all to know that Mark and I share your sorrow with your whole family.

Arthur Rolf

February 2, 2011

As one of seven siblings, I feel compelled to offer eternal thanks to all my sisters for making Mom’s life easier and especially our sisters Cecile and Yvonne, and her beloved husband, life partner and the sparkle in her heart: Robert Coates, our Dad. As Gina’s children, we mourn her passing from this life to the next, and yet; we really had her swept off her feet and away when she and Bob met, married and found such bliss in each other. Bob, thank you and thank God for the wonderful happiness you bestowed upon Mom, and the eternity in which you have one another, first in body and now in spirit.
Calling Gina’s friends over the last several days, one was reminded as to several of her most endearing attributes. First were her ready smile and cheerful laugh, and her ability and willingness to see the bright-side – the potential for positive – in almost every situation. That was certainly the Irish in her and the ancestry of which she was indeed so proud. Secondly, was her sense of obligation and a tendency to always put others before her-self. Perhaps that was the German-side of Gina but, certainly it was the nurse, a calling which came to define and embody her life.
That is not to say Gina did not take care of herself, she did.
Nutritionally (I’ll never forget the extremely healthy meals she would prepare herself and yet the appearance of which, I used to joke with her, would give pause to a Special Forces operator!), and;
Cosmetically (even when tethered to oxygen and near-exhaustion, she would never consider forgoing her treasured weekly visits to the hair and beauty salon!).
Spiritually, Gina loved reading and the pursuit of knowledge and immersed herself in the lives of her children and grand-children but, perhaps as significant, she and Bob donated, quite liberally, and to many organizations which help the less fortunate in our world and society.
Also on a spiritual note, very late one night over 30-years ago, Mom took me aside, quite by surprise, sat me down and began explaining to me her desire and her decision to pursue two objectives which, after much deliberation, had come to hold a profound significance for her:

Geriatric nursing and hospice-care work.

Even now, more than thirty years later, I can readily see, recall and still feel the energy which quite nearly glowed as she spoke about the passion that had been sparked within her.
I especially recall her counseling me how a sub-conscious fear innate to all of us often produced in people certain “emotion-masking” when confronted with the realities of aging.
We all know these behaviors, they range from nervous laughter to avoidance or even distancing, especially on the part of us when we are younger.
However, Mom explained, this was all normal and understandable in light of the sub-conscious realization on all our parts that, “Gee, like it or not, that is more likely than not going to be me, someday.”
But, she continued, “What is above and beyond normal – that which exceeds just the average – are those amongst us who embrace, face and overcome that natural fear by recognizing and bearing witness to the spiritual beauty and the natural perfection of the life cycle.”
. . . the spiritual beauty and the natural perfection of the life cycle.
Upon a bit of reflection, what Gina was saying actually provides us with the definition of courage – that is, the ability to not somehow avoid fear but rather, the ability to act in the face of, and despite one’s fears.
And, might Gina’s life remind us, it is courage which in turn gives rise to dignity.
And that, the goal of dignity-in-life, is but one thought Gina leaves us with – as we ponder the most significant and meaningful ways in which to give honor to her life, and now her memory:
? Let each of us take good care of ourselves: our body, our mind, our heart and our soul;
? Let each of us take care of and show compassion toward others – going out of our way to especially provide for the dignity of our elders – all those who precede us in this life.
? And, let us look for and act upon every opportunity to assist those involved in hospice-care, which was so near and dear to Gina’s heart and soul.
For it is they – the hospice workers – who depict the true characterization of angels who walk amongst us – lest we touch the edge of their garment and for but a brief moment experience what propelled Gina through this life as a child of God, a sister, a wife, a mother, a grandmother and a friend:
That is, her own courage and her immense dignity in life.
Amen.

John and Wanda Frick

February 1, 2011

Gina was a kind, caring, gracious lady who truly enjoyed to dance, especially with Bob. We are fortunate to have known her and danced with her at our square and round dances. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.

Arlene

January 31, 2011

I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your love one. May God continue to shower you with his love and comfort the family during your time of grief.

January 31, 2011

Gina & I volunteered together to take blood pressures for residents at Riderwood Village, along with other retired RNs. It was a pleasure to have known her. She was a very caring person. We will miss her.
Theresa Anderson

Ayo Dindi & Family

January 31, 2011

Mrs. Coates is a symbol of a true mother. Rest in perfect peace sweet mother!

Cynthia Thorsen

January 30, 2011

To My Dearest Mommy, my Marmalade, from your Lil Jelly. I love you eternally and thank God for all the wonderful years He gave me with you. We had a special relationship and friendship, as we were silly partners in all things fun. I loved your laugh and to laugh with you; I loved how classy you behaved and your respect and admiration of others; I loved your intelligence and independence and I loved your generous, abundant and kind spirit; but mostly I loved you for the love you always showed others and especially me including all my "Have I told you lately I love you?" notes. I will miss you terribly mom but am grateful you are pain free and at peace. We will be together again one day, your youngest daughter, Cynthia Marie

Kathleen Higgs

January 29, 2011

To think of her always brought a smile to my face, and I always thanked God that she and Uncle Bob were given the gift of their time together. Kathleen & Peter Higgs

Angela Jenkins

January 29, 2011

We are with you in spirit and know you will be comforted by each other. Give Aunt Regina a kiss on the cheek for us please. Love Angela, Colette, and Melinda

January 29, 2011

Gina was a super positive and happy person. That was my impression upon first meeting her and remains today. She is one that all can look up to and is an inspiration. Pete and Suzy Ott.

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