January 22, 1922 - February 21, 2015
Louise Coleman died peacefully in West Vancouver on February 21, 2015 at the age of 93. Louise was predeceased by her husband, Dennis Coleman, who passed away on November 13, 2008. Louise is survived by her sons, Doug, Nick, Graeme and Ian, and her daughter, Sandi, and her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Louise was born Anna Louise Coles to Charles Coles, grain broker, and Anna Campbell, kindergarten teacher, on January 22, 1922, in North Vancouver. She was the second youngest of 8 siblings, all of whom predeceased her. Louise had to assume management of the family home when her mother died while she was still a teenager. She trained as a nurse during WWII. After the war, Louise married Dennis Coleman who had been raised in West Vancouver. They moved to Montreal when Dennis was accepted to medical school at McGill University. Louise and Dennis moved back to BC with their first born son, Douglas, in order for Dennis to complete his training at UBC and in Victoria. They then settled in the Comox Valley where they raised their children in the tumult of the 1960s and 1970s. Louise returned to the practise of nursing in the Comox Valley after her grown children left home.
During her years in the Comox Valley, Louise was well known for her involvement in many community activities and social causes. She was long involved in the Comox Valley Unitarian Fellowship. She was particularly respected and loved by the many younger women she befriended and mentored in her later years of wisdom. When she was no longer able to live independently, Louise moved to a care facility in West Vancouver to be closer to family.
Her sons and daughter, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and entire extended family salute Louise for a life well lived. We will love you always, Louise.
A memorial will be announced at a later date.