Marlia E. Coates

Marlia E. Coates, 47, passed away May 30, 2016, surrounded by her loving family, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born in Washington, D.C., the daughter of Harry Buell Jr. and Charlene (Lanham) Buell. Marlia graduated from Edinboro University with a degree in Marketing. She applied her skills and education to help others, working primarily in the nonprofit sector. As director of patient and community services at Community Health Net, she oversaw project renovations and start-up of the Dr. Nicholas Hosu Clinic Suite and Girard School Based Health Clinic. She also worked for United Healthcare as a regional outreach and marketing specialist at the Achievement Center as director of development, overseeing the Trail of Treats and Trivia Night, and in human resources at Sarah Reed Children's Center. She taught grant writing at Gannon University. Her volunteerism extended to several organizations including the Erie County Gaming and Revenue Authority where she helped establish their grant guidelines. She was a member of the Material Child Health Task Form, member of UPMC Erie 365 and board member of the Autism Society of NWPA, as a member of the Walk for Autism and Development Chairperson. Marlia loved her daughter, Cailey, more than anything in this world and was so proud of her accomplishments in sports, school and her speech and debate. She taught Cailey to be a strong and independent young woman. Teaching her that hard work breeds success and that anything is achievable if you work hard. Her favorite holiday was St. Patrick's Day, which she spent with family and friends attending the parade and then to the Plymouth Tavern. Her hobbies were traveling and playing golf with her dad and friends. She loved animals, especially her dog, Spencer. Her family and friends will miss her laugh, positive energy, passion for life and her ability to make others feel special. She is survived by her parents, Harry and Charlene Buell, of Saltsburg; her daughter, Cailey Coates; her brothers, Gregory Buell (Coleen), of Delmont, and Harry Buell III, (Janine) of Yardley; her niece, Sydney, and her nephews, Logan, Clayton, Nolan and Luke. In lieu of flowers, a college fund has been established for her daughter, Cailey Coates. Contributions can be made to PNC Bank FBO Cailey Coates; mailing address: PNC Bank, 5014 W. Ridge Road, Erie, PA 16506.
Arrangements are private and entrusted to the BRUGGER FUNERAL HOMES & CREMATORY, 1595 W. 38th St.
Condolences may be expressed at www.bruggerfuneralhomes.com.