Marie Elizabeth Coulson, 99, passed away on 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 of Arts degree in education in August 1962. She retired in 1975.

Marie didn’t have any trouble filling her retirement time. She love Glacier National Park and spent as much time as she could sightseeing and learning about the park. She volunteered for the Adult Literacy program 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; two grandchildren, Kelly Hamilton of Columbia Falls, and Mike Hedstrom of Kalispell; three great-granddaughters, Kassandra and Shonda Hamilton and Becky Hedstrom; one 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.

Our special thanks to the staff of Bratsberg for their loving care of Mom.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 30, 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 organization of your choice.

Arrangements are entrusted to Columbia Mortuary. You are invited to go to www.columbimortuary.com to offer condolences and view Marie’s tribute wall.