AUBURN – Rachel M. Cote, a resident of Russell Park Manor, passed away on Friday, June 24, 2022, following a long illness. She was born in Lewiston on April 25, 1940 to the late Evelyn (Jalbert) Ouellette and Adrien Charest. She attended Lewiston schools.

Rachel returned to Maine from Wisconsin in 1966 to raise her daughters Kathy and Cindy. A devoted single mother, she often worked long hours and two jobs to provide her girls with the best life she could. Employment included: The Steer House, Connie’s Catering, Bell Shop, various shoe shops, and Cote Mobile Homes.

Shortly after moving home to Maine, she met the love of her life, Leonard Cote, and they were married in 1974. A loving wife for 45 years, she was also an amazing caregiver to Leonard during his last years until death.

Known to be the life of the party, Rachel was always ready with a quick laugh and a good joke. She was generous to a fault – one of her trademark moves was to carry “angel” pins in her purse and give them to anyone who needed encouragement. She will also be remembered as an incredible hostess and a great cook – especially renowned for her delicious creton.

The most important thing in Rachel’s life was her family. And nothing was as precious to her as being a grandmother – she was a beloved “Nanie” to her many grands. From babysitting and sleepovers, to pool parties, special excursions and her nicknames for each one, her grandchildren were the center of her universe.

She is survived by her daughters and their husbands, Kathy (Kozak) Whitney and David of Auburn, Cynthia (Kozak) Nicholas and Bruce of Auburn, stepdaughter, Nancy (Cote) McCubbin and husband Donald of Glenburn Center; grandchildren Austin Fuller and wife Alyssa of Melrose, Mass., Taylor Nicholas and partner Nate Hamlyn of Auburn, Cody Nicholas and Noah Nicholas of Auburn, step-grandchildren Jessica Moreau-Berry and husband John of Whitefield, Jennifer Hathaway-Horne and husband Heath, Gainesville, Ga., Rebecca (Whitney) Lilja and husband Matt of Rochester, N.H., Robinson Whitney and wife Ashley of Richland, Wash., Rachel (Whitney) White and husband Connor of Cannan; great-grandson, Lincoln Fuller and eight “bonus” great-grands, Sam, Emma, Jack, Kate, Tim, Evie, Teddy and Tucker. Also surviving is sister-in-law, Marguerite St. Onge of Lewiston; and many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

In addition to her parents, she is predeceased by her husband, Leonard Cote; siblings Richard Charest, Jeanette (Charest) Mieres, Robert Charest and Germaine (Charest) Leen.

A private graveside ceremony for immediate family at St. Peter’s Cemetery in Lewiston will be held later this summer.

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