Van Buren--- Gloria "Bea" Cote, 92, peacefully entered into rest Sunday, January 14, 2024, with her loving family at her side. She was born February 2, 1931 in Van Buren, a daughter of the late Leon and Albertine (Michaud) Dumond, and was a graduate of Sacred Heart High School, Class of 1949.

Bea was a beloved cook at Van Buren schools for over 20 years. She loved talking to the students and loved to see them grow and create their own families. She married the love of her life, Charles Jr., on her birthday in 1953. She was a dedicated mother and adored raising her children and was delighted when she became a Memere to her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Bea was an avid knitter and crocheter and created many crafts to give to her family and friends. She enjoyed the simpler things in life and enjoyed spending hours on her porch watching the many birds pass by her windows.

She is survived by six children, Michael Cote and his wife Peggy Parisot of Ohio, Patrick Cote and his wife Nicole of Presque Isle, David Cote and his companion Sally of Caribou, Charlene Marshall and her husband Peter of South Carolina, Colleen Gagnon and her husband Greg of Glenburn, and Christina Daigle and her husband Greg of Madawaska; fourteen grandchildren, Benjamin Cote, Monique Claverie, Elise LaPlante, Tara Prestwood, Victoria Cote, Shaun Cyr, Kristopher Cyr, Alison Poffenberger, Lindsey Marshall, Matthew Marshall, Jonathan Gagnon, Miles Gagnon, Wesley Smith and Kelsey Fusco; twelve great grandchildren with another on the way; five sisters, Theresa Labbe, Sr. Anita Dumont, SCIM, Carlene Gagne, Leola Gagnon, and Marilyn Lajoie; and many nieces and nephews.

Besides her parents, Bea was predeceased by her beloved husband of 56 years, Charles Cote, Jr.; a daughter, Cheryl Anne Cyr; and a grandson, Alex Cote.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 AM on Saturday, January 20, 2024, at St. Bruno-St. Remi Church, Van Buren. Relatives and friends may greet the family Friday evening, 6 – 8:00 PM and Saturday morning 8:30 – 9:30 AM at Lajoie Funeral Home, 118 High St., Van Buren. Spring burial will be in the parish cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Bea's name to Jefferson Cary Foundation at Cary Medical Center, PO Box 89, Caribou, ME 04736.