Josephine “Josie” Perez-Coates, age 58, of Imlay City, MI died Wednesday, September 1, 2021 at McLaren Lapeer Region Hospital of Lapeer, MI. Josephine Laura Perez was born March 11, 1963 in Port Huron, MI. She was the daughter of the late Antonio, Jr. and Lazara Carmen (Caballero) Perez. Josie grew up in Imlay City, MI. She attended Imlay City High School for most of her school career and graduated from Utica High School, Class of 1981. She married Thomas Coates on July 22, 1988 in Utica, MI. Later in life, Josie attended Siena Heights University and graduated May 9, 2010 with a degree in Theology.
Josie was the Director of Religious Education at Sacred Heart Catholic Church for over 20 years. In her many years of church service, she was also an active member of many committees. Josie was the “go to” person to get things done. Josie and her husband Tom also ran a printing business from their home. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother.
Josie loved her children and grandchildren, and attended all their activities. She enjoyed cars (like her dad), going to the movies, all things Americana, sewing and cooking.
She is survived by her husband, Thomas Coates; her daughters, Danielle (Joshua) Leach of North Branch, MI, Carmen (Jason) Siracki of Brown City, MI and Linda (Andrew) Siracki of Dryden, MI; son, Victor Coates of New Orleans, LA; her mother, Lazara Carmen (Caballero) Perez, St.; sisters, Linda (James) Villalpando and Candelaria (Jeremy) Maya; her brothers: Anthony (Kandie) Perez and Martin (Elizabeth) Caballero; and her grandchildren, Grace, Ian, Lauren, Caleb, Sophia, Isabella, Avaleigh, Amelia, Jared and Josephine.
Josie was preceded in death by her father, Antonio Perez, Jr.; and her granddaughters, Olivia Leach and Maria Siracki.
The funeral was held Tuesday, September 7, 2021 at Immaculate Conception Church, 814 W. Nepessing Street, Lapeer, MI. Reverend Fr. Brian Hurley, pastor of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, officiated. Interment followed in Imlay Township Cemetery.
A Rosary took place Monday, September 6 at Muir Brothers Funeral Home of Imlay City.
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Muir Brothers Funeral Home of Imlay City.
Please be sure to sign the online register at muirbrothersfh.com to share condolences and memories with the Coates family.
