Bernardine Marie Coates

July 21, 1923 – January 9, 2020

Mother, Grandmother, Sister and Aunt Bernardine Marie Coates transitioned peacefully on January 9, 2020 at Serenity Rehab & Health Center at the age of 96 years old.
Bernardine was born fourth of nine children, July 21, 1923 from the union of Joseph Young and Edith Bell Young her Siblings, (late) Edward 0., (late) Ruth, Joseph, (late) Delores, Walter, (late) Ralph/ Larry, (late) Melvin and Eugene.
Bernardine was raised and believe deeply in Roman Catholic religion. Incarnation Catholic Church was her place of worship. Growing up she cared for her brothers and sisters. She was educated through the D.C. Public School System until she accepted employment as private domestic worker in Northwest, D.C. She also, frequented the Howard Theater for shows.
Later Bernardine met and fell in love with (late) James E. Coates, an attractive, charming young man from the neighborhood. Shortly, after meeting they were married, December 7, 1951. As a couple they would take trips to Niagara Falls, in Canada. Their matrimony produced one beloved daughter, Patricia (Patsy). Patsy developed her love of sewing from her mom. Bernardine was a devoted grandmother to Keesha Marie, LaKeta (Kia), and James David. Bernardine was also, a cherished great- mother to Cierre, Re’Kwon, Se’Quon, De’Quan, Darionn, Isaiah, Kionn, and Jahlil. She was a great-great grandmother to Aubrey, JaMarcus, Chloe’, Komar, and Tyrique.
Bernardine enjoyed going for walks around the Deanwood neighborhood. Grandma also loved to shop. Her favorite shopping stores where Hecht’s, Woodies and G. C. Murphey’s. After a long day of shopping, her day would not be complete if she did not have a Big Mac and Coke from McDonald’s. She read the daily newspaper while enjoying her Milky Way or Three Musketeer candy bar with a Pepsi.
In addition to her daughter and grandchildren Bernardine leaves to treasure her memory; three brothers, one brother-in-law, one sister-in-law, a host of nieces and nephews.
Although, Bernardine suffered from mental challenges most of her adult life, she was an awesome provider, fun loving, and she was full of life and love. She was super sassy; Bernardine would keep the staff at her home on their toes. Quite often she would refer the staff of the patient’s bill of rights. When there was something she did not want to do, she quickly remind the staff of the patients’ bill of rights.