1932 - 2009
Audrey Couslon (nee Kologie) passed away peacefully on May 22, 2009 with her loving family at her side. Audrey was born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan on April 8, 1932. She came to B.C. when she was 15 years-old and Lone Butte was her home.
It was in Lone Butte that she met Robert (Bob) Dahlgren and they married in 1950. The couple resided at 93 Mile and their first child, Carole, was born in November 1950. The next year in November 1951, after the birth of their first son, Dwayne, the family moved to Port Coquitlam, B.C. Their third child, Robert, was born in December 1955 and the following year they moved to Kelowna. The calling of the Cariboo had the family return to 93 Mile in 1958. For the next year or so, Audrey operated her own cafe at 93 Mile. Her home-baked bread and pies were just two of the numerous items favoured by the local patrons but enjoyed equally as well by new customers.
After the end of her marriage in early 1959, Audrey moved to Vancouver, B.C. with her three small children. She lived in Vancouver until the fall of 1959, then returned to 100 Mile and later married John Coulson of 93 Mile. In 1964, Audrey gave birth to her third son, John Coulson Jr.
Audrey was well-known for her excellent cooking and baking. Her home kitchen was always open to those who stopped in for a friendly visit. If you ever left hungry, it was your own fault. She also had an amazing talent for cake decorating. Photos of wedding cakes that she baked and decorated adorn the pages of many wedding albums.
Audrey was an active Avon lady for over 40 years. She knew the Cariboo well and went out of her way to appease every client in her territory. She also had a love for bingo and played whenever and wherever possible in 100 Mile, Lac la Hache, as well as other places in her travels. Even the pain that she endured following a daytime fall that resulted in a broken hip was not enough to thwart her attendance at the bingo hall that night. She sure loved her bingo!
Aside from Avon, Audrey worked in many establishments throughout her life, including 100 Mile Cafe, Lone Butte Hotel, 100 Mile Post Office, Macleods, Redwood Foods, Martell’s (now 99 MIle Supermarket) and Top Notch Cafe in 93 Mile as well as its former location in Lone Butte.
Audrey was predeceased by her mother Nellie Cooke, stepfather Bob Cooke, daughter Carole Dahlgren in 1994, grandson Cody Aschwanden in 1998, lifelong friend and beloved sister-in-law Ruth Katchmar (nee Coulson) in 1999. She is survived by her husband of 49 years, John Coulson; sons Dwayne (Carolyn), Pheonix, Arizona; Rob (Karen) Saskatoon; John (Kristina) of 108 Mile, B.C.; her Aunt Betty and Uncle Aaron in Saskatoon and numerous cousins; granddaughters Christine, Kelly and Melodie; grandsons Ryan, Evan, Wyatt and Logan; great grandchildren Mason, Martina, Angel, Elijah and Edan as well as numerous nieces, nephews and in-laws.
Our mother was a loving mom and ‘Grannie” to many children other than her own. It was in her character to openly care for and nurture any child who entered her life. Going through her photograph albums is a testament to this.
She was free-spirited and strong-minded and would let you know of her thoughts and feelings, even when it was not politically correct. She appreciated good humour and could laugh until she cried. Service was held on May 29, 2009.
Mom, as your children, we will forever be grateful
and thankful for the high standards of morals and decency that you instilled with love as part of our upbringing.