Irene Lucille Coates

June 27, 1930 - November 17, 2013

Irene Jeffreys Coates was born on June 27, 1930 in Denver, Colorado, and moved as a child to Modesto with her parents, Jess and Anna Jo Jeffreys. She enjoyed a simple, but joyful childhood with her sisters Jessie (Berglund) and Jackie (Sinner), and her brother Donnie. At Modesto High, she met her one true love, Jimmie Coates, and after graduation they were off to Carson City to be married. Irene was known and loved as an extraordinary wife, homemaker, seamstress, cook, and as an active and involved parent.

She and Jimmie raised two children in Modesto and Irene always did 110% in support of her family, joining PTA and providing support at Enslen, Roosevelt and Davis. She was the consummate "band mother" to her son's rock band and she is still famous for her chocolate chip cookies. Her sewing skills put designer outfits on her daughter and friends, and she lead the pack in decorating for parties and constructing parade floats.

Her dedication to her husband was intense and enduring, helping him start and operate a business, first as a stay-at-home bookkeeper and then as Corporate Vice President at Coates & Wright Floor Covering. She was "the wind beneath his wings" through their marriage of 63 years and they enjoyed decades of involvement in the local music scene. Irene made sure that family outings at MoBand concerts were special memories and fine cuisine, and she found her own beautiful voice as an alto in the MJC Community Choir.

Nothing mattered more to Irene than her family. She spent every moment with Jimmie until his passing in 2011. She put her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren before everything in life, and no effort was ever too much if it helped them. She surrounded herself with their photos and made sure they were fed and comforted no matter when they stopped by. She always had time to talk and then (of course) walk them to their car "so they'll be safe". She was proudly seated in the audience for every dance recital, musical performance, sports game, graduation and wedding, and was always their #1 fan.

Irene is survived by her daughter Gail Wax and her son Terry Coates of Modesto. She loved her grandchildren Michelle and Michael Coates of Salida, Brian Coates of Riverbank, and Nicholas Wax of Seattle. She adored her three great-grandchildren Norah, Brayden and Cameron Coates of Riverbank and she truly treasured her extended family members Kristi Coates, Joni Coates, Erin Wax and Jennifer Gorton.

Her family thanks the many caregivers who loved and served her at Dale Commons, the Commons at Union Ranch, and Stratford at Beyer Park.

Services will be held at 10:00 am on Sunday, November 24, 2013, in the Riverside Chapel at Lakewood Memorial Park in Hughson.