1924 – 2004

LEWISTON – Adrienne Rita Emmi, known to her family and friends as Adrie, 79, a long time resident of 660 Old Greene Road, Lewiston, died late Wednesday afternoon, Jan. 28, at the Central Maine Medical Center after a long courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease which extended over a period of almost 20 years.

Born Sept. 1, 1924, she was the daughter of Adrian and Florence Cote. She graduated from St. Patrick’s Elementary School in 1939, Lewiston High School in 1943, and the St. Mary’s School of Nursing in 1946, under the Government Cadet Nursing program. Upon graduation, she was destined to enter the Army Nurse Corps, but these obligations were terminated when World War II came to an end.

She remained on the nursing staff at St. Mary’s Hospital until her retirement in 1985. A wonderful caring and compassionate nurse, time had no boundaries when it came to the care of her patients. Her co-workers often referred to her as “the sergeant.”

She had an adventurous nature and was never bothered by the fact that she was female or of young age. Under the guidance of her father and at the age of 16, she received her license to fly and was frequently seen flying around the twin cities under the tutelage of Roland Maheux, stunt pilot and owner of many small air crafts during the early 40’s.

She also became a certified licensed boxing judge and was often seen officiating at the local boxing events which were then held at the Lewiston City Hall. She loved a good time, possessed a great sense of humor and was always upbeat and ready to go, even through some of her most difficult physical set backs. She loved her animals, picking blueberries, her home, family, children and grandchildren. An open house, an open door to all and coffee on the stove. A beloved, sweet nature.

She is survived by her loving husband, Tony of 54 years, who became her devoted caretaker, never faltering in that responsibility; her three children, Ann Marie and husband Bruce Hardy of Farmington, N.H., sons, Marc A. Emmi and wife Karen of Watkinsville, Ga., and Michael “Nino” Emmi and wife Kathy-Rae of Lewiston; three granddaughters, Megan Emmi of Marathon Fla., Nina and Mary Emmi of Watkinsville, Ga.; a sister, Rosemarie Butler and husband John of Lewiston; sister-in-law, Joan Cote of Lewiston; and many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents; and recently by her brother, Paul Cote of Lewiston.

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