Sarah (Sally) W. Coates
Sarah (Sally) W. Coates, 74, of Prospect St., New Haven, passed away suddenly on June 15, 2009. She was born on January 14, 1935 in Providence, RI to the late William W. and Lilla Sammis White. Sarah is survived by her two children, Jennifer Coates and her husband Samuel Brody of Bainbridge Island, WA, and Christopher Coates and his wife Barbara of Summit, NJ, her siblings, Lilla Woodhouse of Little Compton, RI, and William White of Bridgton, ME, and her grandchildren, Laura and Ryan Coates and Cymbeline Coates-Brody. Sarah grew up in Rhode Island before graduating with a BA in French from Smith College. After graduating, she worked as a music and dance critic for Newsweek Magazine in New York City. She then moved to Sherman, CT with the late Anthony Robertson Coates, father to Jennifer and Christopher, and started a family. In 1972, Sally and the two children moved to New Haven where she resided until her death. Central to Sally's life was a love of music in her long-term study of piano, the making of chamber music with others and regular attendance at concerts in New Haven and New York City. She was a strong supporter of music and the arts at Yale University. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, June 20th at 10:30 AM at the New Haven Lawn Club, 193 Whitney Avenue, New Haven. BEECHER & BENNETT, 2300 Whitney Ave., Hamden, in care of arrangements. Memorial contributions in Sarah's name may be made to The Yale School of Music, 345 College St., P.O. Box 208246, New Haven, CT 06520.
Chris and Jenny, I’m so sorry about your mother’s passing. I have fond memories of her going way back to the early 70s; she was a wonderful presence in my life for many years. Best, Lisa Robinson
Chris, my sympathies to you and your family in this difficult time.
Hello Jenny and Chris – Wishing we could be with you on Saturday, and sending you and your families all our love at this sad time. I’ll always remember Sally as a brilliant, funny and warm-hearted lady who was generous and caring. Hugs to all — Read and Stephane
My condolences to Sally’s family. She was always fun to be around! And so talented! Abigail (formerly of Prospect Gardens, New Haven)
Chris and Jenny, I’m so terribly sorry for your loss, and sorry I won’t be able to attend the service this Saturday. It’s been such a privilege and pleasure to know your mother these past 12 years. You two were always foremost in her thoughts, and she’s had such peace in these last years feeling so secure in your love for her. My sincerest condolences, Richard Kravitz
Chris and Jenny, We loved your mom beyond compare. My daughter Tara and I spent the last few days expressing one incident after another of all the fun times we have spent together. Sally had a brilliant mind, extreme talent, and a real zest for life. She was so uniquely wonderful. She loved her family so much. My family, friends and I will miss her so very much.
Dear Chris and Jenny, I’m so sorry for your loss, and wish I could attend the memorial service. .Mrs. C.. was almost another mother to me when we were growing up and I visited your home so often. And the birthday trips she led to NYC were legendary. I’ll never forget her cheer and generosity and affection. Love, Eric
Dear Jenny and Chris, I hope you remember me, we went to school together in the 70’s in Hamden. I’m so sorry for the loss of your dear Mother. My thoughts are with you at this sad time. Wishing you comfort and peace… Your old friend, Joanne Cohen Vernon, CT
Jenny and Chris, I first met your mom about 13 years ago when she visited Miami. I remember her with such affection. She had a great sense of humor, among other things and always seemed to have a smile on her face. I visited her several times in New Haven and one of my fondest memories is of her playing the piano. I always looked forward to her winter visits to Miami. She will be missed. Jeanne
Sally was a dear lady and I was lucky enough to have many great memories of our friendship. She always had a smile on her face and loved joining in on our activities. Sally will be greatly missed by everyone in our family.
To Sally’s Family, I know Sally through a mutual friend here in Miami and have enjoyed many fun times with her as well as meaningful conversations. She will be greatly missed by our group of friends. My condolences to all of her family and friends. Very sincerely, Jan
Sally’s last visit to Tampa earlier this year was memorable in many ways-just like all her visits- and like most visits we ate allot of good food and had allot of good laughs. During that visit we laughed and talked about many subjects over Billy & Tony’s famous meatloaf diner and when the strawberry short cake was served we handed Sally the Ready Whip can and she acknowledged she really didn’t know how to use it!!! We all laughed so hard like we have on many occasions with Sally and times like that will be missed so very much…Sally was an original-there was no one like her- she had a way of making everyone around her have fun and often we found ourselves laughing at the silliest things…Sally will be so very missed. Tara & Ed
Chris and Jenny, I’m so sorry about your mother’s passing. I have fond memories of her going way back to the early 70s; she was a wonderful presence in my life for many years.Best,Lisa Robinson