Josephine Audrey Coates, February 22, 2021

“Dodie” or “Jo” Josephine Audrey Coates (Hedin) was born in Kerrobert, Saskatchewan in August 1939 and left us on February 22, 2021. She was the youngest daughter of four girls to Mabel May Hedin (McKay) and “Slim” Paul Benjamin Hedin, American immigrants seeking opportunity in a newly minted Province – so Slim filed for a homestead and was granted a ¼ section near Loverna, Sask. Dodie was a true daughter of pioneers.

Mother’s favorite, George Jones, sang “He Stopped Loving Her Today” was the farthest from the play book as Jo was predeceased by only 39 hours by Lloyd Ralph Coates “LR”, her constant companion. He never left her side…love following love. Dodie did not have the choice for an easy path losing her mother at age 12; a dynamic that formed both her independence and her life-long bond with her sisters Pauline May Anderson, Beatrice Faith Denny (Miller) [both predeceased] and Hattie Carolina Holmes who survives. Under the care of Vern & Hattie she attended high schools in Edmonton and Oyen until she landed at SAIT obtaining a Nursing Aide Certificate in 1958 and practiced her trade in Medicine Hat and in Kerrobert.

Jo and Lloyd are also survived by 4 children: Brent Lloyd, Elaine Sharon, Warren Scott and Darren Paul Coates and four grand kids: Brandyn, Taylor, Jasper and Ellery Coates. And one great grand-daughter Aubree, Taylor’s daugheter. Dodie maintained a strong connection to her Hedin/McKay a side of the family which was well outnumbered by the Coates ranchers west of the line. She had the inside track when LR came courting in 1958, having been raised in Loverna with the Sonmors and Millers close by - these names meant much to Dodie.

Dodie loved cats: Tom, Waylon, Woody and Harry. Mother also shared a great love of dogs with Darren taking care of his Scotch Collies, such as Scampy, Bumpkin and Jemtrack. Sintra & Loopy then entered Jo’s life lovingly.

As it was with Lloyd, Josephine had her true love for 60 of her 81 years.

A celebration of their eventful lives will be held at 2 pm on August 7th in Loverna, Saskatchewan.

In lieu of flowers, you can choose to donate, in Jo’s honour to your local animal shelter or humane society.