Barbara Ann Coates

Pre-deceased by her husband, Herbert Fisher Coates, Sr., and son, John Joseph; survived by her children, Herbert Fisher, Julea Ann, Jeri Lynn, Barbara Jayne, James Herbert, and Barbara Ann, many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and her beloved cats, Mindy and Charlie.

Our mother, who raised her children and took care of her home primarily on her own, was an excellent cook, baker, and housekeeper, as well as a guidance counselor, babysitter, and pet sitter. She took great pride in her home which was charming and welcoming.

She loved children, especially babies; flowers and gardening; going to church and breakfast on Sunday mornings; regular trips to Lancaster for lunch at Dienner’s and shopping at Good’s Store; and traveling.

She started a career with New Castle County at the age of 55 in Senior Services part-time, then full time in the Recorder of Deeds and Clerk of the Peace, then returned to Senior Services as a bus driver, which is the job she enjoyed the most.

Despite facing many challenges in her life, she remained positive and always had a smile on her face. She was a strong-willed, independent, determined woman who was also kind, patient, nurturing, generous, forgiving, friendly, and selfless—always putting others ahead of herself.

She was an absolutely amazing human being and wonderful mother who will be dearly missed by her family and many friends. Our lives are forever changed.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Peniel United Methodist Church, 115 E. Market St., Newport, DE, 19804, or All Mutts Matter Foundation, PO Box 13133, Wilmington DE 19850 www.allmuttsmatter.org/donate.

Services are private.

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