Mara Coote-Freeman

 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.