Maria Magdalena Coulson

1940 - 2017

Maria Magdalena Coulson

VENTURA, CA

Maria Magdalena Coulson

Ventura, California

August 28, 1940 -

September 23, 2017

Maria died peacefully on September 23, 2017 after a year long struggle with Pancreatic Cancer. Her husband, Allan, was at her bedside when she died.

Funeral will be on Saturday, October 7, 2017 at 9:45 AM at Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church, 3175 Telegraph Road, Ventura, CA. A reception at the OLA - Mulcahy Hall will follow the Mass. Inurnment will be on Sunday, October 8, 2017 at The Historic Mausoleum at Old Mission Santa Barbara.

Maria was born in Ciudad Lerdo, Durango, Mexico. Her father was from the Roncal Valley, Basque region of Spain and her mother was from northern Italy near Cortina d'Ampezzzo. Maria was the oldest of 6 children, brothers Luis (deceased), Salvador, and sisters Theresa, Christina (deceased) & Pilar.

Maria Magdalena was an amazing wife, mother, friend and servant of God. Anyone who had the pleasure of meeting her was left with a positive and lasting impression, whether it was a feeling they just made a new friend or marveling at how she negotiated the best deal they could ever imagine. No matter what, you remembered Maria.

Maria's faith was a very important piece of her life and she tried to live and demonstrate it in her everyday actions. She was a longstanding and active member of Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church. She was a Eucharistic Minister, coordinated church gatherings, managed Friendship Sunday, and was a member of YLI.

Maria was active and fun. Family was her life but it did not define her. She enjoyed Bridge (whether it was the mental challenge or the friends she made, is anyone's guess), participated in a long standing Book Club, travelled the world many times over and was always up for an adventure or a hike with friends. Maria, as a member of the Assistance League, volunteered as a teacher's aid of autistic children. Maria's was a "people person", she loved to get to know you, your family, goals and ideas, encouraging you to achieve them with simple but practical advice.

Maria's true passion was ensuring financial security, she was frugal but not cheap, loving to invest in real estate. This gave her pride of accomplishment plus the ability to be generous with others. Maria left a legacy behind to provide for her family and others long after her passing.

Maria is survived by her husband, Allan Russell, oldest son, Allan Andrew, his wife, Adriana, grandchildren, Mateo (12), Michael (10) & Sabina (7), youngest son, Patrick, and his wife, Jill.