Helen (King) Coakley

Helen Frances Coakley (King)

Florence

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of our loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Helen Coakley, age 95, of Florence. She passed away peacefully on Friday, April 8, 2022, at the Northside Community Guest Home.

Helen was born in Hureauville, Richmond County on March 2, 1929. She was the daughter of the late Henry and Marie (Hureau) King.

Most of her career, she taught at Florence Elementary. It was in Florence that she met the love of her life, Art Coakley. She was an active member of St. Stephen’s Parish, serving in the choir and as Eucharistic Minister. Helen came from a family of six, and being the only girl, she loved all sports, especially baseball. Playing cards was a passion, and she was very competitive, especially with her brothers.

Helen is survived by her daughters; Debbie (Todd), Doreen, and Vanda (Angus), and her son Paul (Annette). She is also survived by seven grandchildren, whom she adored; Erinn, Jacquelyn, Brenna, Janna, Jillian, Dylan and Megan, and eight great-grandsons. Surviving also are two brothers Walter (Betty), Evanston, and Elmer (Pauline) Bedford.

Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her loving husband Art, and her brothers Paul Henry, Fred and Raymond, and sisters-in-law Roberta and Elsie.

Special thanks to the staff at the Northside Guest Home who faithfully looked after all her needs.

There will be no visitation. The funeral Mass will take place on Tuesday, April 12, 2022, at 11 am in Holy Family Church, Sydney Mines, with Fr. Fabian Ihunegbo officiating. The burial will take place at a later date in St. Joseph Cemetery, Bras d’Or. Donations in Helen’s memory may be made to a charity of choice. Words of comfort may be forwarded to her family at www.jmjobesfuneralhome.com

“Mom, you can now dance in Heaven with Dad,

Fly high with the angels.”