Margaret Mary (Kadow) Coppess passed away quietly on the evening of Feb. 20, 2006 after a valiant fifteen-year battle with breast cancer. Margaret was born Nov. 23, 1954, in Washington DC to Ray and Mary Kadow. She graduated high school from Clover Park High School in Lakewood, WA, and also attended Tacoma Community College, Fort Steilacoom College, and graduated the University of Puget Sound with a bachelor’s degree in Public Administration. Margaret lived her college career with a passion for law and politics, involving herself in student government. In 1974 she met her husband-to-be, Alan Dale Coppess while working at the Kmart store in Lakewood. It was Dale who introduced her to Jesus Christ and God’s plan of forgiveness from sin. The two married in 1978 and stayed together for the next 27 years, participating in Christian ministry and raising two daughters, Marie Elizabeth, born in 1982 and Karen Ruth Coppess, born in 1985. Margaret began her career in Christian Education shortly after her marriage, in the Awana Clubs at South Tacoma Baptist Church (now CenterPoint Christian Fellowship) in Tacoma, WA. Margaret’s passion for sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with children was infectious. Many children and grown ups alike came to understand, through Margaret, that Jesus Christ died on the cross so their sins could be forgiven and they could spend eternity in heaven. Margaret spent nearly thirty years serving in and managing Awana Clubs, Sunday School Classes, Children’s Church, and Vacation Bible Schools. She served as Children’s Director at South Tacoma Baptist Church of Tacoma and Eastridge Baptist Church of Kent until the day Jesus took her home. Margaret also attended missionary trips to the Philippines in 1993 and Romania in 2002. She inspired the leadership growth of many ministry workers.

But mostly, Margaret was a wonderful wife and mother. In her selflessness, she always put her pain and concerns behind those of her family. She taught her daughters to be kind considerate, hard working, and to serve God in obedience. When her daughters were young, she devoted her time to being a full-time mom and home schooling, leaving them with treasured memories of childhood. Margaret was excited about making fun and special memories for her family, keeping peace in her home, and creating a beautiful home environment.

Margaret was preceded to heaven by her mom and dad. She is survived by her husband Dale of Kent, daughters Marie Elizabeth and Karen of Kent, brother Michael Kadow of Tacoma, brother Roy Kadow and family of Roy, and many, many, many friends and loved ones, including several church families.

Graveside services will be held at 12:30 PM on Saturday, February 25, 2006 at Mountain View Memorial Park.

The lives she touched for Jesus Christ are a legacy that will follow her in life and into eternity.