Laura Coates, resident of Yorkton, passed away on Wednesday, August 15, 2012 at the Regina General Hospital at the age of 80. Laura was born on October 1, 1931 at Boggy Creek, MB. Laura was a kind, warm, generous and open hearted woman. She welcomed into her home and raised seven children. Laura continued to open her home to numerous foster children for 52 years. She had a career making awnings at Sunrise Canvas. Laura also worked in housekeeping for many years. Laura gave up her work career to focus on being a foster mother. For many years and up until the time of her untimely passing Laura was the Kokum at the Yorkton First Steps Aboriginal Headstart. Laura enjoyed spending time with her children and especially with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Laura enjoyed playing bingo, attending Friday night horseraces, watching the Toronto Blue Jays and an occasional game of YAHOO. Laura was predeceased by her husband Raymond Coates, parents Pat and Cecile Langan; son Francis (Poncho); Sister Annie Brazeau; Brothers Claude and Lawrence Langan; Sister in law Evelyn Langan; Brother in law Teddy Coates; nephews Earl Langan, Kelly Brazeau; and nieces Brenda and Dorothy Langan. She leaves to cherish her many fond memories, her brother, Philip; her children: Virginia, Jimmy, Mickey, Ricky (Lucy) and Barb (Dominic); her grandchildren: Tammy (Lyle), Leanne, Roselee, Lauralee (Chris), Leah (Rodney), Michael Jr., Lee-Rick, Rylee, Dominic Jr., Kayla and Kristen. Her great grandchildren: Savannah, Makayla, Enrique, Natalia, Trey, Erika, Aiva, Tayia and Avaya. Numerous nieces and nephews. Special friends: Harriett St. Pierre, Merle Coates, Isabelle Stovra and Maryann Derker. Prayer services were held on Monday evening, August 20, 2012 from St. Gerard's Roman Catholic Church in Yorkton. Organist, Lorraine Lysak led members of the church choir and the congregation in the singing of the hymns "Come Home", "I Know That My Redeemer Lives", and "Peace is Flowing Like A River". A Gospel service followed at the Yorkton Friendship Centre with Ricky Flamont officiating. The Funeral Mass was celebrated on Tuesday, August 21 from St. Gerard's Church with Rev. Father Francis Hengen as Celebrant. Honorary pallbearers were all those who shared in Laura's life. The crossbearer was Rylee Flamont. Organist, Carol Nagy led in the singing of the hymns "Here I Am Lord", "Precious Lord, Take My Hand", "On Eagle's Wings", and "Amazing Grace". The interment took place in the Yorkton City Cemetery with Lyle Vaughan, Chris Ironstand, Rodney Brass, Raymond Hilaire, Dominic Nokusis and Lee-Rick Flamont serving as the casketbearers. Condolences can be left at baileysfuneralhome.com. Memorials were to the Yorkton First Steps Aboriginal Head Start program. Arrangements were entrusted to Bailey's Funeral Home.
