In Memory of

Mary

Lily

Koenig

(Coleman)

Obituary for Mary Lily Koenig (Coleman)

Mary Lily Koenig (Lil Hinrup) of Medicine Hat passed away on Tuesday, December 10th, 2019 at the age of 90 years. Mary Lily leaves to cherish her memory four daughters, Wanda (Rick) Carlson†, Karen (Wayne) Triebwasser, Lisa Maria “Mia” (Ken) Nielsen and Tammy McFadden; ten grandchildren, Michelle (Ryan) Schwartzenberger, Robbie Ronan, Jade (Mara) Triebwasser, Shane (Ashley) Jamieson, Brandon (Carri) Robinson, Morroco (Denise) Johnson, Krystin (Rob) Johnson, Shelby (Galen) Johnson, Akshya (Terrence) Dookhun-Moch and Sammy Gilbert; ten great grandchildren, Harley, Bailee, Tristan, Ayden, Jaxen, Cash, Journey, Stryker, Tracker and Logan; one brother, Dick (Velma) Coleman; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Mary Lily was predeceased by her husbands, Evald Hinrup and her darling, Alex Koenig; her love, Keith McFadden; her parents, Lloyd and Antala “Mary” Coleman; one brother, Lloyd Coleman; and her grandparents who raised her and her brother Lloyd, James and Sarah Jane Coleman. Mary Lily grew up in Saskatchewan and moved to Medicine Hat as a teenager to take nurses training, but returned to Saskatchewan shortly afterwards, moving back to Medicine Hat in 1967. She was the first person to establish the senior homes music programs, which she and her band, This N That played at weekly for 30 years. At one point there were 22 bands and individuals providing entertainment at all of the seniors lodges in Medicine Hat because of her pioneering these programs. She sang and played her 1940’s Gibson guitar which she bought as a teenager at many dances and venues and received Female Musician of the Year Award in the city. She served as Ambassador for the Alberta Seniors Games. Mary Lily was also recognized as Medicine Hat Volunteer of the Year. She also enjoyed horse riding with her daughters and rode her horse, Whitey Ford, in the western glamour category in the parade for many years. Mary Lily was a familiar face in the community, had a great sense of humour, was loved by all and very giving. Her favourite quote was “Good, Better, Best, never let it rest, until the good is better and the better best”. Mary Lily’s faith was a very large part of her life and as a Christian woman she was close to her Lord. She had a deep love for her grandchildren, great grandchildren and her kitty, Angel Baby. Her daughters were her whole life; she passed away gently and peacefully encircled by them with hands upon her as they prayed and sang her into heaven. The last sound she heard on earth was her daughter’s voices singing 'You Are My Sunshine'. The Funeral Service will be held at SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL, 1 Dunmore Road SE, on Saturday, December 14th, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. with The Reverend Canon Ivor Ottrey officiating. A private interment will take place Hillside Cemetery. Memorial gifts in Mary Lily's memory may be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association, 220, 6223 – 2nd Street SE, Calgary, AB T2H 1J5 or to the Medicine Hat SPCA, 55 Southview Drive SW, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 8E8. Condolences may be sent through www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Mary Lily Koenig.