Anticipating enjoying her retirement, envisioning fun in the sun and unlimited fishing, Peggine Cordella Coates was granted her ultimate retirement from the toil of life, ironically on 9 -11, 2012.

As a 911 dispatcher for 10 years, and a 911 Shift Supervisor for 6 with the P.G. County Police Department, she "watched over" officers as she monitored their need for assistance when in route to a scene. She was the voice that responded to the pleas for help from many who were looking for rescue from danger. After 9 years in the Office of Homeland Security, officially retiring April 1st of this year, she spent a total of 27 years saving countless lives.

Sitting on the front line of evil, she was extremely dedicated to her vocation and knew what it meant to "neither slumber nor sleep" as she surrendered to stress-filled days and often late nights laboring for the protection of others. Wanting to be a "keeper from harm," Peggine was a giver – a woman endowed by God with the "gift of help."

A native of Calvert County, she graduated from Northern High School, joined the U. S. Marines Corps., and served five years from 1982-1987. It was there, particularly in Okinawa, where she learned to be adventuresome, and developed a taste for exotic foods and fine dining. Considering herself to be a culinary genius, she often put her hospitality skills to work, always preparing an impressive spread for guests, frequently spoiling her nephews.

As a dispatcher, her days were saturated with exposure to vivid episodes of citizen's adversity. This gave Peggine endless opportunities to ponder evil, and she wondered why it was so prevalent in the world. She would hold lengthy and heated debates about the fairness of God with her Mom, brother-in-law, and sister. Her heart of compassion and quest for truth led her to initially embrace Judaism; soon thereafter, she learned the God of the Old Testament was the Messiah in the New. She committed her life to Christ and progressively learned about the Helper and Rescuer of the world. Diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2002, she battled health issues that progressively led to a series of complications and seeming all too soon, her "early retirement."

Peggine's labor was driven by a commitment to independently provide for her daughter Leslie, and by her love for people. She leaves behind her mother Gladys, father Herman, daughter Leslie, brothers Vonzell and Nathan, sister Tracey, brother-in-Iaw David, and nephews, Dave, Aaron, Stephen and Ian. As well, sharing her loss, are a host of uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends.

Arrangements provided by Sewell Funeral Home.

Visitation:
10:00 am to 11:00 am on Saturday, September 15, 2012 at Grace Brethren Church, 9870 Old Solomons Island Road, Owings, MD 20736.

Service:
11:00 am on Saturday, September 15, 2012 at Grace Brethren Church, 9870 Old Solomons Island Road, Owings, MD 20736.