Micheline Georgette Coen, formerly of Elkhart
Micheline Georgette Coen, 95, formerly of Elkhart, KS, passed away on May 23, 2023 at Peterson Assisted Living in Osage City, KS.
Micheline was born in Mareuil-sur-Ay, France on September 11, 1927 to Victor and Louise Poulard. She grew up in a happy home with two sisters and three brothers, working in the vineyards around their home and alongside her brother, Elie, at a local pharmacy.
During World War II, Micheline met an American soldier, Lloyd Coen. After a yes, some cold feet, and two extensions on his deployment (at Lloyd’s request), Micheline and Lloyd were united in marriage on June 8, 1946 in Mareuil-sur-Ay, France. Micheline moved to the United States at the age of 19. The couple began their life together a few months later in Elkhart, Kansas, which she grew to love as much as the French countryside.
When their children were younger, Micheline stayed with them at home. She later worked 11 years in the school lunchroom for Elkhart public schools and then the Elkhart Telephone Company. Micheline was also a talented seamstress. Contrary to most people’s thoughts about French cuisine, Micheline didn’t enjoy cooking very much. However, her beef bourguignon (usually reserved for company) was delicious and she shared her unique way of dressing sliced tomatoes with her new community when she moved to Osage City.
Her whole life she was a social butterfly and almost religiously attended the Senior Center noon meals in Elkhart, usually followed by games of cards. She particularly loved to play pitch. Micheline was also a member of the Epsilon Sigma Alpha Sorority for many years.
Micheline was very frugal and an extremely hard worker, though you would never hear her complain. That said, Micheline and Lloyd always made time for vacationing in the summer with the kids. Together, the family traveled most of the United States, camping and exploring the great outdoors. In January of 2020, Micheline was awarded the Morton County Pioneer Award which she received with all her family present.
Preceding her in death are her parents Victor and Louise Poulard; husband Lloyd Coen; sisters Jeanne Poulard and Rolande Poulard; and brothers Roger Poulard and Elie Poulard.
Micheline is survived by her four children, James ‘Jim’ Coen (Kathy), Monique Moore (Gary), Robert Coen (Dorita), and David Coen (Karen); brother Jean Poulard; eight grandchildren, Trina Magness, Tonia Magness, Jenny Hageman, Justin Coen, Rachel Landers, Kaitlyn Haake, Kellye Coen, and Kristin Coen; and 17 great-grandchildren.
Following cremation, Micheline will be laid to rest at Elkhart Cemetery in Elkhart, KS.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Peterson Assisted Living and Morton County Museum, sent c/o VanArsdale Funeral Chapel, 107 N. 6th St, Osage City, KS 66523.
Memorial services will be held at the Methodist Church, Elkhart, Kansas at 2 p.m. on June 24, 2023.