I was one of Mary Coggin 's grade 7 student helpers back in the day she pioneered the establishment of public school libraries in Surrey.  Later in my life, I was a teacher-librarian and had the privellege to work professionally with Mary.  A great lady.  A great legacy.
---Bhree A. Young  (Langley, BC)

Mary always had a special place in my heart. We roomed together and were colleagues when we first started teaching at Lord Tweedsmuir in Cloverdale (1947 - 48).  Mary stood by my side as my bridesmaid when I got married in 1948.  My three daughters (Dee,Bev, and Dianne) always referred to her as "Aunty Mary".

Mary Coggin developed an excellent library
program in Surrey to service all the new 
schools being built in Surrey. They were
well staffed with capable staff and books.
She was a kind person and enjoyed life.

April 29, 2017
Dear Mary
Both Sean and I, Evelyn Switzer, will always remember you as our wise neighbor of some 20 years.   We will cherish our memories of tea and goodies.   Also your time at the Art Gallery always kept us informed as to what was com8ng.   You were a great teacher.   
Rest in peace our dear friend .

With warmest thoughts
Sean and Evelyn Switzer

I worked for Mary Coggin for many years at the Surrey District Central Library in the 1960's and 70's.  It was my first job and Mary was very kind to me as she took me under her wing.  I have very fond memories of those years.  Mary had a signature scent (I believe it was Shalimar) and everyone knew when Mary was in the building.  She also loved to buy clothes, but what I remember most about Mary is that she was a very strong, capable, caring person and a fierce fighter for libraries in the district. Rest in Peace Mary Coggin! - you were loved and will be remembered.

Mary Natiuk was my grade 3 teacher at Hall's Prairie School in 1945.  There were two grades in one class of 41 pupils!  She was one of the best teachers I ever had.  I still have the book "Bambi" she awarded me for a class prize.  I was thrilled when she married another favourite teacher from High School, Mr. Gilbert Coggin.  She was inspirational.

I remember Mary fondly for her passion regarding the library program she piloted in Surrey School District and her tenacity in maintaining it.  She hired me, "poor little recycled housewife!" (those were her words), and I witnessed firsthand, for 20 years, her leadership skills.  You will always be remembered, Mary!

Mary had a passion for life and she loved her family very much and will be sadly missed .
I had the please of knowing Mary for over 25 years. 
Darlene (financial adviser)

Mrs. Coggin was a client of mine for 40 years.  She loved it when I finished her hairdo. She would look in the mirror and say "who is that beautiful woman, I don't know her". I will miss our time together. Joseph Codispoti, her hairdresser.

My dear Mary, I will always be grateful and honoured to have been your companionship at the Lodge for the short 6 months I met you, where we developed a deep and close bond. You will be in my heart forever. Love, Lourdes

Mary's influence in the lives of both students and teachers in the Surrey School District was second to none.  During the first year of Len Shepherd Junior Secondary School (1969- 1970) she supplied all students at the school with books for its newly created Quarter System.  She gave us approximately $5,000.  She not only supported our school financially, but she would often drop by to see how her "investment" was doing.  With encouragement, intelligence, and laughter, she continued to support students whenever possible.  Mary was a force of nature in the world of literacy--a force that is desperately needed in education today.  I thank her for her inspirational leadership and for her friendship.

Mary was a fierce champion of school library services in Surrey.  She was a perfectionist and the ultimate professional.  And she had a wicked sense of humour.

One of the best teacher i ever had, she was always so supportive of me. Phyllis (Wolfe) Williams

A thoughtful librarian much loved by the staff, parents and children of Discovery Elementary School in Surrey.  She supported our unique school program that incorporated library books instead of text books to study the themes the school used to educate.  At one school event to which she was invited she asked who would be speaking that day and was told, "Why, you."  Someone had forgotten to let her know she was the guest speaker and she took it in her stride and did a wonderful presentation.  (with humour).  Liked her a lot.

Your unwavering encouragement, support, and love over the years meant a lot to me.

Love, your nephew Steve

OBITUARY

Mary Coggin

1 April, 1926 – 22 April, 2017

Ocean View Funeral Home & Burial Park

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services