Coreen Ann Epstein, 86, of Helena passed away Wednesday, May 20, 2015 at St. Peter’s Hospital after a courageous battle with cancer. Although her body may have weakened, her inner strength, independent spirit and total devotion to her family and the Lord never wavered.
Coreen was born in Coutts, Alberta, Canada to Raymond Haffner and Anna (Wobkenberg) Haffner on November 30, 1928. She graduated from Coutts high school and took classes from the Canadian Royal Conservatory of Music. Coreen and her father played for numerous dances throughout the area.
On November 26, 1947, Coreen married Art Gibson in Milk River, Alberta. They later moved to Cut Bank, Montana where she taught piano for many years, adjudicated music festivals, and was the volunteer organist for St. Margaret’s Catholic Church of which she was a member. She also belonged to the National and Montana Music Teacher Associations.
Art passed away in October of 1986. On February 15, 1992, Coreen married Ben Epstein and they moved to Sedona, Arizona, spending their summers in Cut Bank and eventually settling in Helena fulltime. Ben passed away in April of 2009.
Besides her love of music, Coreen had a passion for playing bridge, becoming a member of the American Contract Bridge League and earning her Silver Life Master. But her true calling in life was that of a care giver, whether it be family, friends or nursing home patients. And she loved to bake for them, especially pies.
Coreen is survived by her sister, Della Mattson, Washington; brothers, Greg (Jean) Haffner of Alberta, Canada and Bernie(Joanne) Haffner of Alberta, Canada; children, Jerry(Sheri) Gibson of Helena, MT Debbie(Dean) Hendrickson of Livingston, MT Wes(Laurie) Gibson of Houston, TX and Lynne(John) Brown of Cut Bank, MT. She was blessed with ten grandchildren: Meghan, Daryn, Deena, Dani, Mark, Nick, Aaron, Adam, Andrew and Caitlyn and nine great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Ray and Ann Haffner and husbands Art Gibson and Ben Epstein.
A funeral mass is scheduled for Thursday, May 28 at 12:00 p.m. in the Cathedral of St. Helena where she was a devout member and volunteer. A reception will follow immediately after the service. A burial will take place at a later date in Cut Bank, MT.
Memorials may be sent to Hospice of St. Peter’s Hospital c/o St. Peter’s Hospital, 2475 Broadway, Helena, MT 59601 or St. Peter’s Cancer Treatment Center c/o St. Peter’s Hospital, 2475 Broadway, Helena, MT 59601 both whom gave Coreen such loving care.
Denise Hayden says
Loved her! You couldn’t get any better pickled beets. She’s out of pain & happy. Love you all!!!!
Judy Epstein Siring says
To Coreen’s family~
You are all in my thoughts and prayers in the loss of your Mom. I am glad that she is at peace and free of pain. Our family will be forever grateful at the companionship and love she shared with my Dad not to mention the wonderful care that she gave to him when he was not well. God bless all of you with wonderful memories and peace.
Love-Judy and Rod Siring
Pam Withers says
To all of Coreen’s family: My deepest sympathy on the passing of Coreen. A true lady she was. Please find comfort in knowing that she touched my life.
Sandra Bunyak Harke says
Coreen was my piano teacher many years ago and she and Art were good friends of my parents. Those were happy times and I am sorry to hear that she passed. She was a very sweet woman and my condolences to Jerry, Debbie, Wes and Lynn and their families!
Skip and Judi Reichenberger says
Beautiful Coreen is free of pain and for that we are glad. We are so lucky to have known and loved her. She was so proud of her family and we know she will always be in your hearts.
She touched so many with her strength and kindness , a true friend and we will miss her but never forget her.
Our love and prayers are with all her family.
Mara (Salois) Walsh says
I started taking piano lessons from “Mrs. Gibson” when I was five years old. (I’m 40 now.) I still have my first piano books, which had pictures I was allowed to color and are filled with encouraging words and stickers from Coreen. I still play today (though I no longer color in my piano books)! I’ll never forget her smile! Thanks for such a wonderful gift, Coreen! Much love to all her family.
Bev and Don Opitz says
Don and I met Coreen on our trip on the American Queen steamboat ship up the MISSISSIPPI FROM NEW ORLEANS. TO MEMPHIS . She was truly a delightful person . Hugs to all of you We care.
Bill and Elly Mills says
To Coreen’s family: We enjoyed Coreen as a friend and neighbor during our time in Burnham place. Quick to smile and laugh and always so very gracious. We will miss her always. The world was a better place with her in it, and she will be missed. Our deepest sympathy to you all.