Helen M. Cote

Helen M. Cote, 91, of Sanford, died August 5th at the Newton Center in Sanford after a long illness.She was born in Boston, MA on July 9, 1918, a daughter of Frank and Alta (Hutchins) O'Brien and grew up and attended schools there.Helen met her future husband Jean L. Cote in Wells, they married, settled in Sanford and raised their family. After his retirement, they lived in Barefoot Bay, FL for several years. Upon his death in 1994, she returned to the area, living for several years at Mayflower Place. Illness necessitated a move to The Pavilion 3 years ago.Family was Helen's first priority. She was recalled as a dedicated mother and grandmother.She was a communicant of the Holy Family Church of St. Therse of Lisieux Parish in Sanford.Besides her husband, she was predeceased by a daughter Carol Gagnon in 2005 and by a granddaughter Gycelle Cote in 1984.Survivors include three sons, Philip Cote and his wife Marilyn of Springvale, John Cote of Jackman, Michael Cote and his wife Dianne of No. Shapleigh, 7 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, a brother Frank O'Brien of Needham, MA, and two sisters Eleanor Fitzgerald of Tewksbury, MA and Ruth Chauncey of Tennessee.The family would like to express its appreciation to the staff of Mayflower Place, the staff of The Pavilion, the staff of Goodall Hospital, and the staff of Newton Center, all of whom provided extraordinary care and love for Helen over these past few years and days.A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday at 9:00 AM at the Holy Family Church of St. Therse of Lisieux Parish in Sanford. Burial will follow in St. Ignatius Cemetery.Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider a donation to the Alzheimers Association, 170 US Route 1 Suite 250, Falmouth, ME 04105. Arrangements are under the direction of the Lafrance-Lambert & Black Funeral Home, 29 Winter Street, Sanford. To leave the family a message of condolence please use the "condolences" tab to the left.