Jean H. Coates

Jean H. Coates, 85, of New Holland, passed away at Hospice and Community Care, Mt. Joy on Monday, March 1, 2021.

Born in Calvert, Maryland, she was the daughter of the late James F. Herr and Olive Beatrice (Fox) Herr.  She was the beloved wife of the late Paul L. Coates, Jr. with whom she shared 34 years of marriage.

Jean was a graduate of Oxford Senior High and went on to pursue a career at Coatesville Savings Bank where she retired as Vice President in 2001.  She continued to serve on the Board of Directors after retirement for several years.

During her life she loved gardening. Many years were spent growing all of the family’s vegetables which she canned or froze.  Almost every Saturday morning you could find her baking in the kitchen. Jean loved entertaining extended family on holidays and prepared incredible feasts. 

Jean and her husband, Paul, were part of the Gum Tree card club for many years. One of her cherished memories was when they traveled to Alaska with the whole group.

In her retirement years, her joy came from spending time with her granddaughters. Jean went on numerous vacations with them to the beach and a Disney trip.  She rarely missed a school activity the girls were involved in: band concerts, sporting events, musicals and graduations.

Jean was a member of Friendship United Methodist Church, Coatesville. While she was a resident of New Holland she attended Ranck’s United Methodist Church.

Jean is survived by two children; Cheryl Semple and husband William, Beth Sweigart, and husband Darryl (Whitey) of New Holland, three grandchildren; Ashley Sweigart of York, Kristen and Lindsey Sweigart of New Holland. Additionally, she is survived by one sibling. James H. Herr of Nottingham. She was preceded in death by her sister Janet Stetter.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation period taking place from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM on Saturday, March 6, 2021, from the Wilde Funeral Home, 434 Main St, Parkesburg, PA,  19365. Interment will be private and at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Jean’s memory to either Hospice and Community Care of Mt. Joy, or The Arthritis Foundation. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Wilde Funeral Home of Parkesburg. Online condolences can be posted at www.wildefuneralhome.com.