Coralene Elsie Williston (nee McGrath)
February 4, 1932-November 19, 2015
Coralene has donned her wings and flown.
Survived by Husband John Williston
Children: David (Ruth), Kevin, Daria (Duncan),
Kerry (Anne), Danny (Susan)
Grandchildren: Joanna, Heather, Alison, Andrea, Bryan, Riley, Erik, Leo
Great Grandchildren: Kaye, Emmanuel, Melina, John, William, Emily, Athena
Pre-deceased by beloved grandson Ian
Born and raised in Port Colborne, Ontario, at 16 Coralene met and married John, 18, and they built a life together for 67 adventurous years. Five children were raised with loving determination and firm guidance; hamburger turned to filet, flurries of fish and chips, wild strawberry shortcakes and peanut butter crunchies, home-made fudge and famous pies… Oh how you spoiled us Mum! A Sunday school teacher at
Central United, who pedalled from ballpark to ballpark cheering her kids on, and knit toques for entire hockey teams… Coralene found ways to contribute, even while battling ongoing ill health and raising an active family, always with a kind smile.
With an ever increasing fold of grandchildren, in 1987 Coralene and John retired to Vancouver Island enjoying 28 more years of travel, family visits, new friends, community and well-earned repose. Nothing delighted Coralene more than time with her grandchildren; the little ones, and what a wonderful influence she was. For this we are truly grateful and indebted. All who landed on Coralene’s doorstep were treated like family and no wife and mother was more devoted to her flock. Her memory remains a shining beacon of perseverance, fairness and love of family and life.
Many thanks to all caregivers and staff of The Gardens of Qualicum Beach for 5 months of dedicated care. Our hearts are heavy and we feel great loss, but Coralene lives on in the hearts of all those infused by her vibrant spirit.