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It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and above all, dearest friend Hazel MacPherson Coates. She lived her life with style and grace.

Hazel was the cherished wife of Gordon Coates whom she married on Valentine’s Day in 1997.  She was the caring and loving mother of Nancy (Bill) Klym, Sue MacPherson and Pat (John) Gillespie.  Her family expanded to include the Coates, Fred, Dave, and Margie and Ed (Verna) Kujat. She was dearly loved by her grandchildren, Mike (Kristi) Klym, Jackie (Nathan) Laviolette, Tara (Shane) Gillespie, Ian (Cody) Gillespie, Emily (Jeff) Myers, Sarah (Shaun) Chamney, Gabrielle Coates and Ethan Coates. But the true joy of her life were her eight great-grandchildren Cohen, Henry, Tyson, Felix, Waylon, Jack, Cohen2 and Mia.

Hazel was raised in Winnipeg with her life-long friends Doreen and Gerry. It was during her Social Work studies at United College in Winnipeg that she decided on a whim to get a summer job at Lake Louise. It was there that she met her first husband, Jack (Mac) MacPherson. They married in 1950 and made their home in Calgary.  She and Mac had 40 wonderful years together.

Hazel was always the life of the party. She made a friend wherever she went.  She had two favourite foursomes—golf and bridge. She was proud to be a Gyrette and was active in the Samaritan Club. She was a wonderful hostess and constantly entertaining. Sunday dinners and Boxing Day parties were a command performance with cousins, aunts, uncles and neighbours. There was always room for one more at Hazel’s table.  Her friends and time in Kauai were a winter highlight. She loved working in the botanical gardens and watching the sea life. She embraced new experiences with curiosity, travelling the world, spending hours reading on her Kindle, and emailing on her iPad.  We will truly miss her joyful and vibrant presence.

A Celebration of Hazel’s life will be held at a later date.  Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Hazel’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

In living memory of Hazel Coates, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis and Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive S.W., Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.