Long time Special Member and Ikenobo Sensei, Marylou Coffman, has transitioned to the other side on Sunday, Aug 31st, 2024. She had studied Ikebana in some shape or form for well over 40 years.  She became a member of Chapter #9122 once she and her military spouse retired to Phoenix. She leaves behind a daughter-in-law and two grandchildren.

She had studied and obtained up to and including her Level Nine (Kayko) certification from Ikenobo Ikebana prior to becoming ill. Besides teaching she was known for her lovely naturalistic moribana arrangements of all types. But it was roses that had her heart. She was also an Accredited Rose Horticulture and Arrangement Judge for the American Rose Society. She led and promoted the use of roses in our yearly workshop held in the Mesa Community College Rose Garden. After an informative tour of the garden, our members were allowed to select and cut whatever roses they liked to use in their arrangements. Cutting of the flowers is a general no-no, but Marylou had special permission for us on workshop day. She would then instruct our members on tips and tricks when arranging roses and critique the arrangements made that day. Usually fair weather prevailed at this outdoor setting under the trees. We will try to honor her footsteps and continue this practice as long as possible.

She has asked that her arrangement containers and supplies be sold in a special Ginza at one of our workshops and the proceeds be donated to the general maintenance and upkeep of the MCCC Rose Garden. No memorial service has been announced at this time.