1931 – 2015

LEWISTON — Joan Pratt Cote, 83, of Auburn, died Wednesday, Jan. 7, at St. Mary’s d’Youville Pavilion.

She was born Joan Beverley Pratt in Worcester, Mass., on June 19, 1931, the only child of Manfred C. and Gladys (Thompson) Pratt of Wilton. She grew up in Brunswick and later in Auburn. After graduating from Edward Little High School in 1949, she attended the school of nursing associated with Central Maine General Hospital (now Central Maine Medical Center) and became a registered nurse. She worked as an obstetrical nurse for several years at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.

Joan married Paul A. Cote of Lewiston in 1952, and lived with him in Boston until 1955, when they moved back to Lewiston to pursue his legal career. After raising their four children, she became a licensed real estate broker and pursued further education.

She was active in local, state and national politics, and once served as the first and (at the time) only woman appointee on the city of Lewiston Planning Board. She was also an alternate delegate to the 1972 Republican Convention in Miami. She volunteered her time generously for the Patronesses of St. Mary’s and other local school, church and civic organizations.

She was a very accomplished pianist and loved to ski, play tennis, swim, cook and read.

Joan is survived by her beloved children and their spouses: Paul A. Cote Jr. and his wife, Pauline, of Auburn; John P. Cote and his wife, Gwyneth, of Greensboro, N.C.; Adrian A. Cote and his wife, Judith, of Niles, Mich.; and Julie A. Cote and her husband, Bill Costner, of Alabaster, Ala. She is also survived by her six beloved grandchildren, Christopher Cote, Matthew Cote, Indiana Cote, Jack Cote, Cynthia Cote and Gray Costner. Joan loved and was very close to her in-laws, particularly the families of John and Rosemarie (Cote) Butler and Anthony and Adrienne (Cote) Emmi.

She was predeceased by her husband of 51 years in 2003.

She loved to travel and entertain with her husband, both at their camp in Eustis and abroad. Her great pleasure was spending time with her many friends and family members. For many years, she organized the reunions of her nursing classmates.

Joan was especially close to her sisters-in-law, Rose and Adrienne; and was like a sister to three very close friends, Pauline Forrest, Carol Jongbloed and Joan Andresen. She was loved and admired by her many friends and family members who will miss her greatly. “Aunt Joan” will also be remembered as a very special person by the younger generations of those families and friends.

Condolences and donations may be accessed online at www.albert-burpee.com.