Obituary of Rita Mary Cote

COTE (Dawson), Rita Mary – It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Rita Mary Cote.  Her gentle and sweet nature endeared her to all.  She died peacefully surrounded by family, Monday August 9, 2021 at Fiddick’s Nursing Home.

Over her 98 years Rita enjoyed many activities including family, church, volunteering and working. While raising six children, she actively supported them in their many activities. She enjoyed volunteering at her church and was the first CWL president at St. Edward’s Church in Point Edward and later at St. Peter’s in Sarnia. She was a proud member of the CWL for over 65 years.

She worked as a Nurses’ Aide at Bestview Lodge Long Term Care facility for 15 years. Over the years she actively participated in and enjoyed many activities including being president of the bowling league and serving as president on the PTA.

Rita married Homer, the love of her life, in 1945 and they enjoyed 66 years together until Homer’s passing in 2011. 

Rita is lovingly remembered by her six children, Michael (Marilyn), Lorraine MacLachlan (Jim), Christine Crouch, Paul (Doris), Linda Kaech and Margaret Conroy.  She will be missed by her 17 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren.  Rita is predeceased by her parents, Hazen and Margaret Dawson, two brothers, John and Jim, and two sisters, Eileen and Betty.  She also is predeceased by 2 grandsons, Tyler Cote and Bob MacLachlan, sons-in-law, Noldi Kaech and Tim Crouch, and daughter-in-law, Pat Haddad-Cote.

Rita spent her final years at Fiddick’s Long Term Care facility in Petrolia, where she was lovingly cared for and supported by the excellent staff. We wish to extend our heartfelt thanks to the Fiddick’s staff.

Visitation will be held at the McKENZIE & BLUNDY FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CENTRE, 431 N. Christina St., Sarnia on Friday from 10:30 a.m.-12 noon. Due to the restrictions of Covid19, a private family Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Benedict’s Church with interment to follow at Resurrection Cemetery. Please note that masks/face coverings are mandatory and maximum visitors at one time and social distancing will be strictly enforced. As an expression of sympathy, friends who wish may send memorial donations to St. Joseph’s Hospice, 475 N. Christina St., Sarnia, N7T 5W3 or Bluewater Health, 89 Norman St., Sarnia, N7T 6S3.  Messages of condolence and memories may be left at www.mckenzieblundy.com