Marie Coulson

Marie Elizabeth Coulson, 99, passed away Nov. 23, 2012, at Immanuel Lutheran Home in Kalispell.

She was born on June 5, 1913, to Paul and Elizabeth Hyde in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

She graduated from Coeur d’Alene High School on May 27, 1931. She earned her teaching certificate from Lewiston State Normal School in Lewiston, Idaho, on May 28, 1934.

She and Hervey Coulson were married on Aug. 17, 1935, in Coeur d’Alene. Marie started teaching at Twin Lakes, Idaho, that fall. She taught in several schools until moving to Thompson Falls, where she taught for many years.

She taught first grade in Columbia Falls for 15 years. While teaching in Columbia Falls, she spent her summers attending the University of Montana and earned her bachelor’s in education in August 1962. She retired in 1975.

Marie didn’t have any trouble filling her retirement time. She loved Glacier National Park and spent as much time as she could sightseeing and learning about the Park. She volunteered for adult literacy for several years.

She was very active in St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church and always graced the altar with her flowers. She enjoyed sewing, crocheting, knitting afghans, painting, gardening and playing with her grandchildren. 

Marie was preceded in death by her parents, husband Hervey, four sisters and one brother.

Marie is survived by her daughter Judi Hedstrom and husband Rob; son Jim Coulson; grandchildren Kelly Hamilton, of Columbia Falls, and Mike Hedstrom, of Kalispell; great granddaughters Kassandra and Shonda Hamilton and Becky Hedstrom; great great granddaughter Aria Nichols; foster son Gene Pitcher and wife Betty, of Lawrenceville, Ga.; sister-in-law Elma Crockett, of Mesa, Ariz.; and many nieces and nephews. 

The family extends its thanks to the staff of Bratsberg for their loving care of Marie.

A memorial service will be held Friday, Nov. 30, 2012, at 11 a.m. at All Saints Episcopal Church on Conn Road, in Columbia Falls, with Father Bradley Wirth officiating. The celebration of Marie’s life will continue in the fellowship hall at the church.

The family suggests memorial contributions be sent to the All Saints Episcopal Church, 2048 Conn Road, Columbia Falls MT 59912 or the organization of choice.