“Wise men say only fools rush in”….Annette and Bob met one night, fell in love and rushed right in…and thank God they did….the words on their lips and the song in their hearts rang true….”I can’t help falling in love with you”!
Annette J. Coates, 87, of Manville was born on August 22, 1937 and entered into eternal rest one day shy of her 88th birthday on Thursday evening August 21, 2025 in the serenity of her home and surrounded by the prayerful love of her husband and family.
Annette was born at home and lived most of her life in the close knit village of Manville where her family roots were planted. She was the first child of the late Florian and Bertha (Laplante) Brillon.
Annette was a graduate of St. Clare Girls High School in Woonsocket. She met the love of her life Robert Vernon Coates, a Midwesterner who hailed from the Chicago-area town of Phoenix, Illinois, while he was stationed with the Navy in Newport. Bob was a sailor aboard the aptly names USS Manville and as a member of her crew he was invited to Manville for a celebration day. It was truly “love at first sight” for Annette and Bob as they danced away that evening together. The two love-smitten young people would embrace each other on the dance floor and never let go through more than 67 years together after they were married at St. James Church on February 8, 1958.
Annette was blessed with a photogenic memory and was the “go-to” person among her family and friends who had questions about a movie, actor, actress or anything pertaining to motion pictures. She was a talented piano player and loved to dance to the music of the popular songs and tunes of the 1950s and 1960s. Annette had an encyclopedic knowledge and ever ready memory for songs titles, lyrics and musical tunes which she could recall at a moment’s notice and sing well into her later years. Music brought a smile to her lips. The music and genre of Elvis Presley deeply resonated with Annette. From the time of her teen years when Elvis was the heartthrob of the USA until recent years Annette boasted an impressive collection of Elvis memorabilia and many collectibles she amassed over the years.
Annette was an avid reader; a book nearby and some quiet downtime was exactly what she wanted. True to her native Ocean State background she loved spending time at the beach. As an August baby she was a Leo and had an affinity for Lions.
Annette will be remembered for her big hearted always ready to help family member with babysitting, helping them move – even multiple times! Whatever the need was Annette was always there to help.
As a note to local history Annette was working at the Manville mill on September 12, 1955 when it burned in a spectacular fire that became part of local lore. Over the years Annette worked at Ann & Hope as a cashier for several years. She also worked at Grace Holmes, American Tourister, as desk clerk at Suisse Chalet on Route 116, and as a supervisor at Providence Washington Insurance Company mentoring numerous young workers as she helped them organize and function in their roles.
Annette was the sister of Camille Brillon, Paul and his wife Suzanne Brillon and Gilbert and his wife Jacqueline Brillon all of Manville. Annette leaves her cherished nieces and nephews Amy Wiebe, Godchild Nancy Hancox, Chad Brillon and Michael Brillon. She was the loving aunt of the late Derek Brillion who passed away in 2018.
Annette also leaves her beloved grandnieces and grandnephews Jazmin Brillon, Kaitlin and Meghan Wiebe, Benjamin and Zachary Wiebe, Bobby, Nicholas, Kyle and Andrew Hancox. Her extended family stretches out to those who live in the Midwest including niece and nephews Linda Brow, Roger and Bart Sears, other nieces and nephews. She also leaves her beloved Godchildren Denise McShane, Gisele Laliberte, JoyceAnn Westervelt and Christine Sears.
Annette’s family is forever grateful to Continuum Care of Rhode Island for the wonderful and compassionate hospice care she received from them.
Everyone is welcome to gather to remember and pray for Annette at her Mass of Christian Burial on Thursday August 28, 2025 at 10:00 am in St. James Church 33 Division St. Manville. There will be an opportunity to pay your respects to the family before and after the Mass at the church. Annette will be laid to rest at St. James Cemetery in Manville.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial donations may be made to Continuum Care of Rhode Island, 1350 Division St. Suite 205 West Warwick RI 02839 or St. James Parish 33 Division St. Manville RI. 02838.
Arrangements are in care of the Menard-Lacouture Funeral Home, 71 Central St. Manville.
www.menardfuneralhome.com