Marianne Kathryn Coates

COATES

Marianne Kathryn COATES

June 21, 1945 — February 7, 2022

Mrs. Coates peacefully passed from this life to her eternal rest on Monday, February 7, 2022. Born in New York City to Col James L. and Lillian (Ferrick) Skelley. She grew up in a happy, large, Catholic, Military family. She is survived by Thomas F. Skelley (Sharon), Patricia Curran, John P. Skelley (Lori), and Suzanne Skelley (Susan Walker). Her brother James L. Skelley predeceased her. The family traveled across the United States living in a variety of military posts. The family also traveled to Frankfurt Germany where they lived for 2 1/2 years. Mrs. Coates graduated from Christopher Newport College and soon thereafter entered Federal Service. Mrs. Coates worked for the Army Surgeon General from 1966 to 1985 when she accepted a job and promotion to the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs. Following a series of promotions, she retired as Director of Communications in 2007.

In 1985 Mrs. Coates met and married the love of her life, LTC Charles (Buck) Coates, Jr. The couple made their home in Alexandria, VA. The couple traveled the west coast from New York to Florida visiting family and friends. Further, they thoroughly enjoyed the cruises to Alaska, the Adriatic, the Mediterranean, and through the Panama Canal to San Francisco. Most enjoyable was their cruise with USMA classmates to explore the Normandy Beaches and cruise the Seine from Honfleur to Paris.

Both became very active in the ministries of the Basilica of Saint Mary. Mrs. Coates was the Court and State Treasurer of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas. She served as Vice-president for membership of the Serra Club of the Diocese of Arlington. The couple faithfully participated in the Nocturnal Adoration Society. Additionally, Mrs. Coates served as first Vice-President of the Seminary Ridge Civic Association. She also coordinated a neighborhood monthly wine tasting and she greatly enjoyed the monthly book club, Mrs. Coates devoutly embraced her faith, dearly loved her family, and greatly enjoyed her friends and neighbors. Most importantly, she deeply loved her husband. May she rest in peace.

Funeral Mass Saturday, February 19, 2022, 11 a.m. at Basilica of Saint Mary, 310 South Royal Street, Alexandria, VA 22314. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Little Sisters of the Poor.

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