Obituary of ETHEL COAKES

ETHEL COAKES (nee DUFFEY) The family of Frances Ethel Coakes is saddened to announce her passing on December 12, 2012 at the age of 93 years. She was born May 15, 1919, the daughter of James and Isabel (Jacklin) Duffey. She will be missed by son Gary (Kathy), grandchildren Mandi Webster (James), Ryan (Christy), great-grandsons Noah and Kyle in Nova Scotia; and son Jack (Rose), granddaughters Megan and Nicki and great-granddaughters Izzy and Ocean, sister Irma Edinborough, sister-in-law Fran Duffey, brother-in-law Fred Coakes (Irene) as well as many nieces, nephews and friends. She was predeceased by her husband Charles (Charlie), her brother Robert (Bob) Duffey and an infant brother, Ronald. Mom was born and grew up in Oakbank, MB, the farm and the community remained close to her heart. She attended the University of Manitoba and during the war she worked in an aircraft factory as a riveter, she was proud of her contribution to her country. Following the war she was working at Clay Law Jewellers when she met Dad. Together they raised their boys on Inkster Blvd. in Winnipeg and spent many days at the cottage in Ponema Beach where they hosted and enjoyed family/friend gatherings and social functions. After her boys were grown Mom worked at Peoples Jewellers in Garden City and she received several achievement awards. For the past 6 years she lived close to Jack and Rose at Riverbend Manor in Whitemouth, MB. She enjoyed her new life and the friends she made in this community. Ethel was the Past Matron of Jephthal Chapter #22 and held several other offices within the Eastern Star, she was also a member of the White Shrine. After retirement she volunteered many hours at Cancer Care Clinic in Winnipeg. We will miss her greatly but celebrate her 93 years, the love and pride she had for her family and the enjoyment she gained from old and new friends. We wish to thank all the Home Care employees in Whitemouth as well as the staff of the Pinawa Hospital. Memorial Service will be held on Friday, January 18, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main Street, with interment to follow at Elmwood Cemetery, 88 Hespeler Avenue. In lieu of flowers, donations in Ethel’s memory may be made to Shriners Hospitals or a charity of your choice.