LEWISTON – Constance T. Cote, 74, passed away peacefully at her home on May 1, 2021, after living a long and courageous life.

Connie was born on March 29, 1947, in Lewiston, Maine, the daughter of Flora and Ernest Lavoie. She grew up in Lewiston with her sister, Lorraine.

Connie held various jobs in her early years, eventually settling into office work at Bates Mill. She was also a CCD teacher at Sts. Peter and Paul Basilica, which is where she met her husband, Joseph. They were married for 45 years and had one daughter, Mary.

Connie held her Catholic faith dear to her heart, and was devoted to Mary and to the Sacred Heart. She attended Holy Cross Parish for many years. She lived her faith, as well, through service to others. She gave generously to various charities, even buying new items simply to give away. She was always thoughtful, asking after family and friends and having Masses said not only for loved ones, but for complete strangers. Her kindness also extended to helping her neighbors, visiting people in nursing facilities, and taking part in neighborhood civic issues and initiatives.

Receiving a multiple sclerosis diagnosis at the age of 38 didn’t keep her down. Despite the many limits the disease placed on her body, she persevered, facing her illness with dignity and grace. She remained engaged with life through her charity work, her outings with family and friends, and her flowers.

Surviving Connie are her daughter, Mary Gagnon, her husband, Scott, and grandchildren Kaitlin and Paige; her sister, Lorraine Colson and husband Hervey; her sister-in-law, Jeannette Sutton; her cousin, Ann Galarneau; several nieces and nephews; and many friends, including her caregiver, Sharon Bazinet. She was predeceased by her husband, her parents, and her brother-in-law.

The family wishes to thank Androscoggin Homecare and Hospice for the excellent care Connie received.

Memorial services honoring Connie’s life will be held 6 p.m., Friday May 7, at the funeral home.

Family and friends are invited to visit from 4-6 p.m., before the services at the Pinette Dillingham and Lynch Funeral Home, 305 Alfred Plourde Parkway, Lewiston. All attendees per Maine CDC are required to wear face coverings and maintain social distancing.

Online condolences and sharing of memories may be expressed at http://www.lynchbrothers.com.

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