Mara Coote-Freeman
April 8th, 2020
With profound sadness we announce the passing of a great lady, horsewoman, teacher, mentor, and friend, Mara Coote-Freeman. She lost her battle with cancer at the Olds General Hospital in the early hours of the morning of Wednesday, April 8, 2020 with family at her side. She is mourned by her loving and devoted husband, Barry Freeman; her sister and partner in MJ Farms, Jennette Coote; brother, Max Coote and wife Connie Hahn; and her youngest sister Joanne and husband Mike Stewart; nieces, Caitlin Coote and Jesse Stewart; nephew Josh Stewart; as well as relatives, co-workers, friends, former students and business associates, all mourn her passing.
Born in Edmonton to George “Bud” Coote and Margaret (Keillor) Coote, she attended University of Alberta, earning a degree in physical education, traveled the world, taught in Alberta and Australia before entering the business world with her own craft store and as a sales representative. But overall, she loved horses, from riding at an early age, breeding and raising horses with her sister at MJ Farms and joining Olds College to direct equine programs training riders for the race track. She loved dogs in general, but especially Smooth Hair Fox Terriers, breeding and showing them for a time. Mara also contributed to many horse breed organizations throughout her life serving on boards, organizing horse shows, representing the interests of Alberta Arabian horses at meetings around the world. She passed away serving on the board of the Alberta Horse Racing Association.
Mara took up photography several years ago, focused on horses, travel, and making digital art. Examples of her photography grace the walls of her home and many walls in the homes of her admirers.
A Memorial and Celebration of her Life will be held when large groups of people can safely gatherMessages:
Oh My! I am heartbroken to read this. Mara has a Birthday card in the mail for Sunday the 19th. We have been friends for so long and it was like yesterday every time we spoke. This news has shaken me to the core. I still have a picture by Louis I'Cart that we found in one of our "antique hunts" in Ottawa and she encouraged me to purchase. See it every morning when I wake and always think of you Mara. I am so very sad Barry for your loss.
Barry, Mara and I met in China a number of years ago and then continued our relationship as Facebook friends. I greatly admired Mara. She was an intelligent and articulate woman passionate about horses, photography and politics. I looked forward to her daily Facebook posts and comments, her creative digital photography and her travelling adventures but took particular delight in her political commentary....such passion and such a proud Canadian! My sincere condolences to Barry and the rest of the family and may she Rest In Peace.
To Barry and all the family. We are very sad that Mara is now gone from the physical world. She remains with us in our hearts and memories. I met Mara almost 50 years ago and know that she has always been a strong positive force who has made a difference to many. I enjoyed many deep and fun conversations about many things - especially education - a topic that was important to both of us. She ( and Jeanette) spent several summers teaching my daughter Sarah to ride. It was always something to look forward to. While we are sad she is gone from us, it’s special that she has left such a legacy. Rip my friend.