Lou C. Coates

Lou Carolyn Coates, 83, of Niskayuna, passed away Monday, June 4, 2012 in the comfort of her home surrounded by her family.
Lou was born August 1, 1928, in Plattsburgh. She attended grade school at the Normal School. In 1942, she and her family moved to Schenectady, where she attended Nott Terrace High School.
She worked as head of the bookkeeping department at Citizens Trust Bank in Schenectady.
On January 31, 1948, she married Jack G. Coates of Schenectady. They were married for 64 years.
Lou was a devoted volunteer. She served as president of the board for the Schenectady County Unit of the American Cancer Society, and dedicated 30 years to volunteering for the organization.
She played an active role in the formation of the Tri-City Youth Hockey Association and was a Cub Scout and a Girl Scout leader.
A 70-year member of Faith United Methodist Church in Schenectady, over the years she served as Superintendent of the Sunday school program and co-chair of the youth program. She chaired missions, as well as the staff parish committee, and was a trustee for the past nine years. She was also a Stephens Minister.
Lou loved spending her summers camping in North Truro, Cape Cod with her family and friends. Her favorite beach was Pond Village, where she loved collecting sea glass. During the last few years, Lou and Jack spent time at the Deer Run campground in Schaghticoke.
She was an avid Yankees fan and a phenomenal knitter.
She was predeceased by her husband Jack, who passed away last month. She was also predeceased by her parents, Lynn and Bernice King; her sister, Marion Miller; her brother-in-law, Bud Miller; and a grand nephew, Jeffrey Mott.
She is survived by her children, Christopher (Jo Ann) Coates, of Dickinson, ND, and Elizabeth (Dennis) Dalpe of Niskayuna; her grandchildren Kathleen (Jim) Alcombright of Clifton Park, Gregory Dalpe of Niskayuna, Capt. Cortney (Brandon) Zuercher of Lynn Haven, Fl. And Trevor Coates of Dickinson, ND; her brothers, Lynn (Gabrielle) King of Mooresvile, NC and Harold (Carole) King of Richmond, VA; her sister-in-law Jeannine Lloyd; and several nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank Angelina Hollinger and Elizabeth at NurseCore and Jessica from the Schenectady Hospice. The family would also like to thank Doctor William Busino, Doctor Shailesh Patel and Doctor Stewart Silvers for their special attention and care.
A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, June 9, 2012 at 11:00am at Faith United Methodist Church, 811 North Brandywine Ave., Schenectady.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Faith United Methodist Church or to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Northeastern New York Chapter, 16 Wade Road, Suite 2, Latham, NY 12110.