Jeanette Coffin

Jeanette Coffin, age 85 of Charlottetown, PEI, passed away peacefully on Aug 31, at the QEH. She was surrounded by the love of her family, and the amazing and caring staff of Unit 3. Jenny was born in Glace Bay, Nova Scotia, in 1931, the beloved daughter of Ted and Doe (Currie) Snow. Possessed of a spirit of adventure, as a young woman she high-tailed it to New York City to see how the other half lived. After two years she returned to Nova Scotia, and met and married Maurice Freeman, a widower with two children. She took up residence in his home in Sable River, Nova Scotia, bore two daughters, and learned how to be a country girl. In 1963, she and Maurice followed his job relocation to Bedford, Nova Scotia, and she took on suburbia with great enthusiasm. Her home became the centre of neighbourhood activity and everyone was welcome. She especially enjoyed her role as surrogate mom to children on her street, and others her own children brought home with them. Maurice died in 1968, and once again Jenny reshaped her life, learned how to drive, handle finances, and be both mother and father to her children. In 1971, she met Arthur Coffin from Prince Edward Island. They married in 1972, and in 1977 moved to Charlottetown, and life began anew once more.

Jenny is survived by her sister Linda (Walt) Penney, her daughter Anna Freeman (Jack Morrison), son Wayne Freeman (Nicole), daughter Marie Freeman (Will Snihur), daughter Ruth Freeman, and daughter from another mother, Joy Ikede. Also surviving are grandchildren Mark Freeman, Joshua Morrison, Luke Morrison, Michael Freeman (Natalie), Sean Freeman (Liz), Jackie Vance (Jeff), Trevor Snihur (Jennifer) and great-grandchildren Elizabeth Freeman, Kathryn and William Vance, and Taylor and Kyle Snihur. Also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins, as well as her constant companion, Lucy the wonder cat.

Jenny was predeceased by her husbands Maurice Freeman and Arthur Coffin, parents Ted and Doe Snow, brothers Michael and Alan Snow, and sisters Kitty Derbyshire and baby Margaret.

Cremation has already taken place, with no service by request. A celebration of life was held Sept 3 for family and close friends. For anyone who wishes to make a donation in Jenny's memory, her favourite charities were the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada, the Huntington Society of Canada, Sable River First United Baptist Church, and the PEI Humane Society (in particular the Super Seniors Cats Program).