August 30, 1934 - November 13, 2024
It is with great sadness we announce the passing of longtime Drumheller resident Mary Agnes Coe, widow of Richard (Dick) Coe and beloved mother of Steven, Brian and Greg Coe. Mom passed away peacefully in the presence of family at the Foothills Medical Centre in Calgary, Alberta on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, at the age of 90.
Mom was born on August 30, 1934, on her parents’ small dairy farm located in the Pembina River Valley at LaRiviere in southern Manitoba. In this idyllic setting, she was raised by her loving parents, Edgar and Janet Boyd. The youngest of 4 children, she tagged along after her much older siblings Kathleen, Edgar and Edith, working hard at farm and household chores. Mom was an excellent student and also enjoyed the many adventures available to free-range farm kids in those days, including swimming in the river that ran through their pasture, picking wild strawberries and tracking down new-born farm kittens in the woods. A fond memory was skipping school one day in Grade 7 to deliver farm-fresh milk to the townsfolk of LaRiviere while her father was busy cutting hay. Having no idea how to drive a car, Mom was perched on a wooden box so she could see out of the windshield, given a short course by her dad on how to use the clutch, gas and brakes, then sent on her way with strict instructions to stay in first or second gear and not to back up! Somehow, she made the rounds that day, the milk was delivered, and no lives were lost in the process!
Upon completion of high school Mom attended business college in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Following graduation she headed west to Calgary, Alberta where she found employment as a secretary with Gulf Oil. Shortly after her arrival in Calgary a former school classmate from her hometown introduced her to a friend of his, a handsome young RCMP officer by the name of Richard (Dick) Coe. The relationship subsequently blossomed, and Mom married the love of her life July 31, 1953. Mom and Dad were soulmates for 63 years, until Dad’s passing in 2016.
Mom and Dad moved from Calgary to Drumheller, Alberta in 1959 to pursue an opportunity in the insurance industry, opening their own successful claims adjusting business, Crosland Peacock (Drumheller) Ltd. While busy raising their 3 sons, mom also worked hard as a housewife and as a vital part of running the family business for many years.
Following retirement in the 1990’s, Mom pursued her loves of gardening, travel, golf, bridge and fitness. Mom could often be seen around Drumheller well into her 80’s riding her bicycle on the bike trails out to Rosedale or the Little Church or working out at the gym in the Badlands Recreational Facility. Mom was also very active in the community, serving as President of the Drumheller Kinette Club and the Ladies Golf Club as well as volunteering with The Salvation Army raising money at Christmas and looking after the kitties at the Drumheller Humane Society.
Mom also had quite a sense of adventure, probably left over from her childhood days on the farm. She obtained her Private Pilot’s License while in her late 30’s, learned to downhill ski in her 40’s and for her 75th birthday she bungee jumped off one of the highest bridges in New Zealand. As her many Drumheller friends will attest, she was a feisty gal!
Mom is survived by her three sons, Steven (Johara) and Brian (Theresa) of Calgary, and Gregory (Heather) of Stettler. She is also survived by her brother, Edgar Boyd, of Winnipeg, Manitoba, as well as by numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mom also leaves behind her beloved feline companion KatyKat. She was predeceased by her husband Richard as well as by her parents, Edgar and Janet Boyd, and her sisters, Kathleen and Edith.
At Mom’s request there will be no funeral service. An internment alongside Dad in the columbarium at the Drumheller Municipal Cemetery will take place at later date, arrangements courtesy of Courtney Winters Funeral Homes of Drumheller. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Drumheller Humane Society or Peggie’s Feline Rescue Society of Drumheller would be appreciated.
The family would also like to extend a very special thanks to the doctors, nurses and other staff at the Foothills Medical Centre in Calgary who provided outstanding care and kindness to Mom and our family during her final days. They could not have been more caring and respectful during this very difficult time.
