Dec. 8, 1927 ~ Nov. 5, 2024Marlborough – Sister Gloria Cote, formerly of Mexico ME, a Sister of Saint Chretienne, died Tuesday, November 5, 2024 at Alliance at Marie Esther in Marlborough MA. Born in Augusta ME on December 8, 1927, she was the daughter of the late Hormidas (Michael) and Leah (Couture) Cote.
She was predeceased by her brother Robert and her sisters, Constance Easter and Patricia Mercier. She is survived by her dear sister Lucille Norris of Peru ME and many devoted nephews, nieces and their children.
Gloria was a devoted member of her religious congregation for 77 years, having served as a cook for 36 years in MA and RI, with several years at St. Chretienne Academy in Salem. She spent two years (1991-93) at Casa Esperanza in Houston TX caring for babies with HIV, a mission she loved. In her later years, Sr. Gloria helped her Sisters at the retirement house in Marlborough by driving, sewing and tending her beautiful garden. She was a fond ‘grandmother’ to the little ones at Our Lady Preschool.
In 1997, she was gifted with a trip to the Holy Land, accompanying a Sister friend. When the Sisters’ thrift shop opened, Gloria found her niche in the ‘sorting’ room. She was a cheerful presence for the customers who loved her greetings. She never tired of listening to them or showing her gratitude to those who brought donations of clothing or other items.
Sr. Gloria will always be remembered for her gracious smiles, her quiet and loving service to others as the ‘handmaid of the Lord’. She was a woman of prayer, and she loved “Our blessed Mother”, dedicating her garden to her. She was an ardent member of the congregation, praying every day for her Sisters near and far.
She cherished her family and loved to go back to Mexico for visits. In her older years, their visits with her at the retirement community brought her much joy.
Gloria will be dearly missed by her Sisters, but she leaves us with the example of her constant gratefulness to God, in joy and in suffering. She so appreciated the nursing staff for their compassionate care.
We are blessed by her love and inspired by her beautiful life.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, November 12 at 10:30 at the Alliance residence at 720 Boston Post Road East in Marlborough.
The Collins Funeral Home of Marlborough assisted with arrangements.
