Obituary of John Michael Coady

In his 89th year and on April 10, 2023 Dad left us to be with Mom (Gert), his life partner for 60 years. Since her passing in September 2022, Dad ached to feel her presence once again but busied his time at home polishing brass, listening to music from his personal DJ, Brian, and “going for a little run”. In his earlier years, he always had a project that showed pride in workmanship. From his view in the living room window, he would recount stories about Harbour Grace and the connections he made with people in the neighborhood. He spoke fondly of the Quinn’s, the Dunne’s, the Hayes, Mom and Pop Moriarty, the Freeman’s, the Granville’s, Lizzie Butler, Kitty and Dick Ryan, Jed Haire, and Tossie Whalen; a lot of oral history that we had the pleasure to be part of through his memories. Dad was the son of Michael and Ellen (Garland) and the “boss” of his three siblings; Linus (deceased), Jay (Jean and Carmelita (deceased)) and Irene (John Morrison). His sister, Angela, died in childhood. The Byrne’s and their mother, Lucy, became Dad’s blended family. He loved visits from the nieces, nephews and in-laws of the Coady and Finn families, especially summer gatherings in the backyard. He loved to see people coming around and “volunteering” Mom to make a little lunch for a crowd. Dad leaves his children and their families; Bernadette (Tony Green and their children Hannah and Miya), Ellen, Michelle (Bernie Power), John (Isabelle and their child Sarah) and the crown jewel, Brian. Louanne spent many years being cared for with us. When Brian came along in 1975, Dad often spoke of a calming that came over him that helped him feel everything would be okay. We, too, can anticipate that same calming feeling knowing that “Archie and Super Nanny” are watching over us. Dad’s journey was made easier with the help of family, lifelong friends and with the quality homecare and the genuine relationships forged over the last years. The family will be receiving family and friends at Noel’s Funeral Home on Harvey Street, Harbour Grace on Friday, April 14, 2023 from 1-9 pm. The funeral mass to celebrate Dad’s life will be held at St. Patrick’s Church in Carbonear on Saturday, April 15, 2023 at 1 pm. John and Gertrude will be interred together after mass at the Roman Catholic Cemetery in Harbour Grace. Donations in Dad’s memory can be made to the restoration fund for St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church, P.O. Box 429, Carbonear, NL, A1Y 1B8 or to Radio Station VOWR 800 (vowr.org for donation information).