Bertha B. Cote

Bertha Cote Obituary

Cote, Bertha B. NASSAU, N.Y. Bertha B. Cote, 91, of Nassau, formerly of South Lawrence, Mass., entered into eternal life on Wednesday, October 22, 2008 at her home in Nassau. Bertha was born in Lawrence, on December 17, 1916 to Dennis and Annie (White) McClu-skey. She lived most of her life in South Lawrence before moving to Nassau one year ago to be cared for by her daughter. She worked for over 25 years as a supervisor at the I.R.S. before her retirement in 1981. After her retirement, she volunteered her time at the Better Business Bureau, the Asian Center where she worked as a reading tutor, as well as donating her time to the many food drives held at St. Patrick's Church for Lazarus House. In her free time, she enjoyed needlework, knitting and reading until she lost her vision to macular degeneration. Spending time with her family and friends was always at the top of her list. Bertha was a lifetime member of St. Patrick's Church in Lawrence. While in N.Y., she attended St. Mary's Church in Nassau. Bertha's strong beliefs and her devotion to Mary, St. Jude and the Infant of Prague, helped to sustain her and gave her the strength to embrace every cross in her life. Even as her health failed, she continued to pray for others, having her daughter read to her the monthly prayer lists that she received from St. Patrick's. She rejoiced in the knowledge that this life is only temporary and that she would be free of her earthly body and would enter into her new life with God and the saints. Bertha's love of the ocean was legendary and she looked forward to her yearly trips to Salisbury Beach. After moving to N.Y., her one request was that her room be decorated with a border depicting sailboats and lighthouses. Bertha is the widow of Joseph A. O. Cote. She leaves her four children, Peter Cote of Lawrence, Catherine Lavoie of North Jay, Maine, Anne Messineo of Nassau, and Claire Cote of Lawrence. She was blessed with five grandchildren, Daniel Lavoie and his wife Jaime, Sara Kent and her husband Lee, and Richard, Kevin and Mariah Messineo, and three great-grandchildren, Mariah Celeste, Robert and George Kent. She also leaves her sister and best friend, Rita Donovan of Lawrence; many nieces, nephews and very dear friends, including Barry Michel whose kindness and help made it possible for her to remain independent for a very long time. Bertha was predeceased by her three sisters, Janet Foley, Irene Badolato and Cecelia Bohne, and by her brother, Elphage (Budzo) McCluskey. Bertha's children would like to thank the many doctors, priests, caregivers, extended family members and friends whose compassion, support and loving kindness meant so much to her. You left the fingerprints of God on her heart. A Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled to take place in Mass. on Tuesday. Donations in her honor may be made to either St. Patrick's Church, 114 South Broadway, Lawrence, MA 01843 or to St. Mary's Church, 26 Church St., Nassau, NY 12123. To make an online condolence, please visit www.dewhirstfuneral.com

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Published by Albany Times Union on Oct. 27, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Bertha Cote

8 Entries

Mary Jane Murabito

November 19, 2008

Sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

Marsha Gilbert

October 27, 2008

Cathy, Dan & Jaime,

Your Mom/Grandmother sounds like she was a very special lady. I wish we could have met her. Know that we are thinking of you all at this sad time. Take comfort in your memories, as they will remain in your heart forever.

Love Always,
Arthur & Marsha Gilbert

Susan Wilson

October 27, 2008

Aunt Bertha is my great Aunt. Growing up I always remember Aunt Bertha and Aunt Rita with Grammy (Cecelia Bohne), All three of them always so happy. Aunt Bertha will be truely missed.

Dinah Young

October 27, 2008

Ann,
I'm so sorry for your loss. I will miss your mom greatly.
We enjoyed meet her in this office.
Sincerly
Dinah

Karen Lawrence (Murabito)

October 27, 2008

I remeber Bertha when I was a child growng up. She was a "mother" to all of us. I laugh when I picture her in the kitchen with her apron telling us to quiet down. We were kids having fun, quiet was something we didn't know. Bertha was always kind, never said anything bad about anyone; if she thought it, she kept it to herself. It should please her children knowing what warm memories people have of their mother.

Crystal Jerew

October 27, 2008

Dear Anne and family,
We were so sorry to hear that your mom had passed away. Please know that we are thinking of you during this difficult time.
With sympathy,
Michael, Crystal and Amanda Jerew

Debbie Cozzone (Murabito)

October 26, 2008

I remember Bertha as though it were yesterday. The times I got to share at her home, with all of her children while growing up, is something I will never forget. She was an amazing woman, full of grace and love. She will be missed by all who ever had the pleasure of knowing her. I am only glad that I got to share my childhood around someone as loving and caring as Bertha. Heartfelt prayers go to all she left behind. She will never be forgotten.

Elaine (Motta) Vincent

October 25, 2008

So sorry for your loss. Was a friend to Peter when we were children. Do not know if he would remember me. Peter used to play the accordion for me and I was his audience. Although many many years have passed, I often wondered where he would be in his life. One day I called on Peter and was told he went away for a while. I was truly saddened by this but there was no way that I could have had a chance to say good- bye to a dear friend. Well, this is my chance to tell him how much I missed him. I lived next door at 161 Salem St. Lawrence Ma. We were only 6 yrs old at that time.Thanks Peter for all the good times, Love and blessing to the whole family. An Ole Friend Elaine

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