Esther Marie Cote

For several weeks recently, Esther Cote said she wanted to go home. She wanted to see her dad and her babies. In the early hours on Friday January 28th her Heavenly Father brought her Home.

Esther Marie Sullivan Cote was born in Butte, Montana on May 8th, 1926, to Dave and Catherine Sullivan, the first born of 7 children. She grew up on Dakota Street and attended St. Joseph’s grade school. She graduated from Girls Central High School in 1945.

On a sunny day, June 10th, 1950, Esther married her husband, John S. “Harp” Cote. Together they raised 8 children. During their life together Esther and Harp lived in Boise, Portland and Seattle, making many friends along the way. Butte however was home, and they spent most of their lives there raising a family and helping out in the town they that loved. Harp and Esther’s marriage was a 72-year love affair and an example and inspiration to us all.

Esther was a beloved daughter, wife, mother, sister, grandmother and friend. She had a special love for young children and for anyone who might need a little extra help or attention. She is proceeded in death by her parents, her sisters Ellen Kelly, Catherine Johnston, Virginia Sullivan and brothers Dave and Frank. She suffered the death of three children, Michele, Dave and Jim.

Surviving Esther are her husband Harp Cote, sister Mary Murphy, brother in-law John Dirks Sullivan, daughter Anne Cote Opp (Robin), sons Frank, Steve (Melissa) Paul (Pam) and John (Paulette). She will be greatly missed by her many beloved grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and in-laws.

Our family would like to express our profound gratitude and love to Gabi Hall and Jane Bowman who patiently and lovingly attended to Esther’s needs in her home for the past 25 months. We would also like to thank Senior Solutions Hospice for their caring and professionalism.

Esther would surely love to have as many of her family and friends as are comfortable join her for Holy Mass and to experience the grace of the Rites of Christian Burial. We understand that many people will not be comfortable gathering considering Covid and we know you will be with her in spirit. Esther would not want to be the cause of anyone getting sick. As such, we ask attendees to honor her by thoughtful, responsible attendance, wearing masks and practicing social distancing. Funeral services will be held at (10 am), Saturday, February 5th at St. Ann’s Catholic Church.

In lieu of flowers, Esther’s family would encourage donations to the Esther Sullivan Cote Academic Resource Program, PO Box 634 Butte, Mt. 59703, or to a charity of your choice.