Lillian H "Lil" Cote

Plattsburgh - Ms. Lillian "Lil" H. Cote, 84, of Monty Street, Plattsburgh, New York passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 17, 2016 at CVPH Medical Center. Lillian was born in Champlain, NY on August 2, 1931, the daughter of Gabriel Cote and Christine (Bisaillon) Cote. She later moved to Plattsburgh with her family at the age of three, where she resided for the remainder of her life. Lillian was employed by the N.Y. Telephone Company from 1951 to 1981 and served there in a supervisory capacity during the majority of those years. Following her retirement, Lillian later worked for the Brown Funeral Home in Plattsburgh during the early nineties. Lillian was a very loving, generous and spiritual person. She belonged to the Rosary Society and she was a member of the Franciscan Order, serving as a minister for the organization for six years. Lillian was a parishioner of Our Lady of Victory Church where, in the past, she sang in the choir, was a lector and volunteered as a BINGO worker. Lillian was always known for her vivacious and outgoing personality. In her younger years, she was an accomplished bowler who won multiple competitions. However, it appeared that her bowling career was over when, in the late 1960's, Lillian lost portions of two fingers in a snow blower accident. Following her recuperation though, Lilly was determined to continue to bowl. She taught herself to bowl again using her remaining fingers and she remained competitive for at least two decades afterward. Lillian loved to make others laugh and she would willingly do so at her own expense. There was no better example of this than her silent performances as a clown at Harvest dinners for Our Lady of Victory, which provided sought after entertainment for many children. Lillian was also a member of the Daughter's of Isabella and she participated in many impromptu skits at yearly gatherings to the delight of the crowd. Sadly, in 2001, Lillian was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, curtailing her ability to participate in many of the activities that she had previously enjoyed. Regardless, Lillian never altered her light-hearted approach to life and she greeted every day with a smile, surrounded by family and friends. Lillian presented with a touch of class and those who knew her well will always remember her light-hearted and gentle spirit. Lillian is survived by her brother Rev. Normand Cote of Plattsburgh, her sister Aline Cote of Plattsburgh, her sister-in-law Barbara Cote of St. Petersburg, Florida, her sister-in-law Valida Sears-Cote of West Chazy and Punta Gordo, Florida, as well as several nieces and nephews, extended family and close friends. Lillian was predeceased by her parents, her brother, Paul Cote, his wife Patricia and their daughter Valerie, as well as her brothers George Cote and Lionel "Joe" Cote. Calling hours will be held on Friday February 19, 2016 from 2-4 and 7-9 at the Brown Funeral Home, 29 Broad St., Plattsburgh, New York. A Mass will be celebrated on Saturday February 20, 2016 at 11:00 am at Our Lady of Victory Church in Plattsburgh by her brother, Rev. Normand Cote, retired. A reception will subsequently be held in her honor at the Butcher Block in Plattsburgh. Burial will take place in the spring at St. Peter's Cemetery. Persons who wish to do so may make a donation in Lillian's memory to Our Lady of Victory Church, Seton Catholic Schools or a charity of their choice. Arrangements are entrusted to Brown Funeral Home, 29 Broad Street in Plattsburgh, New York 12901. (518) 561-3980. Online condolences and memorial candles may be offered at www.brownfuneralhomeinc.com.