Stoddard Online

MARIE STEWART (COFFIN)
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It was Sunday morning in Vancouver. The date was April 02, 2006 and I was about to set out on a journey that would eventually encompass more than a year of hard work, dedication and desire. Was I up to the task? Indeed, had I known then what was to become painfully obvious medical wise a few months down the road, probably I was not.

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This was the day that I would officially commence my investigation and the writing of the Wilbert Coffin affair. Not knowing any of the parties involved, and as well, very little about the case in general, the task was uphill from the beginning. Earlier in that week I realized that I needed a starting point. I placed a call to the city hall in Gaspe' and explained what my plans were. My question was, could they point me in the direction of someone who may be able to speak with me. I was given the name of a resident of the area. This person was a sister to Wilbert Coffin. The name of this person was Marie Stewart (Coffin).

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Upon placing a call to Marie, I very quickly realized this person on the other end of the telephone line was a very special person. She offered great words of support, but in no way did she make any attempt to influence my plans and ideas. Marie made it very clear, I was welcome to contact her at any time for information. Without doubt, during the next year I would learn volumes about Marie.

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Marie exhibits those qualities and characteristics that are consistent with a warm and caring individual, dwelling upon the strong points, rather than directing cricitism to the weaker areas. In many instances I have heard Marie expressing concern for someone experiencing tough times. Never though, have I ever heard Marie lamenting on her own personal trials and tribulations of life. I have decided to dedicate this posting entirely to Marie Stewart (Coffin) today. There is a special reason for deciding to do this.

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In 1993 Marie was diagnosed with breast cancer. Marie was hospitalized and underwent surgery. Being the strong person that she is, Marie never complained about her situation. She was determined to beat the cancer. Marie carried on with her daily affairs, driven by her desire to clear her brother's name. The cancer was by now, many years in the past.

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A few short weeks ago, Marie received some disturbing news. After an absence of fourteen years, the cancer had returned. Marie explained to me on the telephone that she had beaten it once, and she would beat it again.

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As I put the final touches on this report for publication, Marie is undergoing surgery in Gaspe' today for the latest battle with the cancer. I spoke with her yesterday, and again, she was not dwelling on the problem, she was continuing with original plans for the month of July.

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Marie had been planning a fundraising walkathon around the river area in Gaspe' to raise funds for her brother's case. This walk was, and still is slated for July 14, 2007. Marie explained to me that this cancer surgery of today is not going to hinder her plans for her walk. She plans to be out there walking herself, and she extends the invitation to any others who might like to hook up with some sponsors and join her. This is truly determination at it's finest.

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Throughout the past year, Marie has hand picked hundreds and hundreds of pounds of wild berries to sell in her fundraisers. She has hand knitted and raffled a beautiful blanket, and as well, I must not forget to mention the dozens and dozens of loaf cakes, and enough cookies to feed an army. Without doubt, Marie is a shining example of what happens when a positive mind is set into motion on a course driven by determination and a desire for success.

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I ask that you take a moment and think about Marie today. You are most welcome to leave Marie a message on the comment board. Marie reads the website on a regular basis, and would love to hear from you. I remember once reading a comment from a young lady on the comment page who stated that "Marie reminds one of the Grandma that many wish they had, but did not." God bless you Marie.

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Lew Stoddard