It is with heavy hearts, we share the passing of Margaret “Marge” Lillian (Nee: Coates) Osborn on June 15, 2020 at the age of 95 years young. Marge was resting comfortably when she peacefully slipped away from us, as she slept. We have comfort knowing she and her beloved husband, William “Bill” LeRoy Osborn, are together again.
She is predeceased by Bill, her Mother, Frances Lillian (Robinson) Coates, her Father, Frank Hervey Coates, a sister, Frances Angel Coates, her brother Vernon Alan Coates, her brother-in-law, Forrest Grant Osborn and sister-in-law, Freda Coates. Marge’s spirit will live on in her daughter, Lorelle Margaret (Osborn) Zorrilla, her granddaughters, Carina Lee Zorrilla (Todd Halford) and Breanna Tess (Zorrilla) Morgan (Alan Morgan) and her great grandchildren, Fox William Halford and Winslow “Winnie” Angelina Halford, her step grandson, Claude-Yve Zorrilla (Diana Zorrilla) and step great grandchildren, Emmely Anna Zorrilla and Mia Autumn Zorrilla, her brothers Clinton Hervey Coates (Bertha Coates) and Gordon Alfred Coates (Delores Coates) and her sister-in-laws Violet “Vi” Coates and Elaine Osborn (Les) and many dearly loved nieces, nephews and cousins.
Marge was born in Cereal, Alberta on January 8, 1925. She was the oldest of 5 children. She grew up in a small house on the prairies and often talked about riding horses to school with her brothers. Marge was passionate about everything she became involved in, throughout her long and well lived life. She earned her high school diploma in 1944 and then a “War Emergency Interim Certificate” and began her teaching career, in the COE school district. She also taught in Taber, and Camrose before moving to Edson in 1955 where she continued to teach full-time until she retired in 1984. Over the years, she attended many summer classes at University of Alberta and earned a Bachelor of Education Degree in 1977. Marge was very proud of the opportunity she had to be an Albertan Consultant for two math textbooks in 1980.
Wedding bells tolled for Marge and Bill in 1957 and soon after they had one daughter, Lorelle. Marge went on to be blessed with 3 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. Family was her pride and joy and she never missed an opportunity to spend time them. Throughout her life she was an avid curler, square dancer, she loved music and drama and also played the organ. Marge was also involved in the United Church of Canada and worked on many committees over the years including the Yellowhead Presbytery and the United Church Women’s Organization. She served with the Odd Fellow and Rebekah Lodge and worked her way through the chairs to eventually become the President for the Rebekah Assembly of Alberta from 1998 – 1999. Marge was very proud to serve the Rebekah Lodge and uphold the cardinals of Love, Kindness and Unity. Marge and Bill also had a passion for travelling in their retirement. Some of their destinations included Arizona, California, Hawaii, Mexico, Alaska, Spain and the Panama Canal. Through all her years, it was the people she met and the smiles shared, that filled Marge’s heart. So many have shared wonderful stories and kind words; she will be missed by all!!
A Celebration of Life will be shared virtually (youtu.be/_2XwdWlN0PQ) all are invited to pause for a moment, quietly in your own time to reflect on the amazing life Marge had the privilege to live. In view of the current pandemic, an interment will be held with a small family gathering at a later date at the Glenwood Cemetery where her ashes will be joined with Bill’s.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the University of Alberta, Ophthalmology Research Fund. Visit ualberta.ca/giving or send donations payable to the “University of Alberta”, 3-501, 10230 Jasper Ave NW. Edmonton AB T5J 4P6. An alternate suggestion is to make a memorial donation to the “Jessica Martel Memorial Foundation”, a women’s shelter in her honour. Please note that your donation is in memory of Margaret Osborn.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Margaret “Marge Lillian Nee Coates Osborn 2020..
Death notice for the town of: Edmonton, Province: Alberta