Therese M. Cote

ISLAND POND, VT—Mrs. Therese M. Cote, 84, of Island Pond, VT, and formerly of Norton and Canaan, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday morning, January 17, 2012, at her home in Island Pond. She was born on December 8, 1927, in Stanhope, Quèbec, a daughter to the late Narcisse and Claire (Savard) Gosselin. Therese grew up and was educated in Stanhope, and moved to Norton, Vt., when she married Leo Gagnon. They raised their family in Norton until Leo’s death in 1977, after which she moved to Canaan. For many years, Therese worked for the Norton Country Store. Her interest and passion was always in helping senior citizens, and she was involved with the Senior Meals program in Canaan, Norton, and later in Island Pond. Her work with seniors was recognized by Vermont’s governor in 2009 when she received the “Northeast Kingdom Senior of the Year Award” for her many years of service to the elderly. Therese was always on the go. In her younger days, she enjoyed snowmobiling, and she always loved to travel. She was a member of the American Legion Ladies’ Auxiliary. She also loved to spend time with all her grandchildren who she adored and who will all miss her dearly. She is survived by two sons, Bernard Gagnon and wife Micheline of Canaan, Vt., Donald Gagnon and wife Ginette of Canaan; her daughter, Bernadette Beloin and husband Regis of Derby Line, Vt.; a step-daughter, Jean Frizzell; eight grandchildren, Brian Gagnon, Luke Gagnon and wife Heather, Steve Gagnon, Jules & Jerry Beloin, Martin & Jesse Gagnon, Sarah Guevara and husband Juan; four great-grandchildren, Callie, Ryan, Noah, and Halley; her step-grandchildren, Sharon Vaughn Nute, Scott & Chris Vaughn; as well as many nieces and nephews. Therese is preceded in death by her first husband Leo Gagnon in 1977; her second husband, Arthur Cote in 2007; five brothers, Jules, Marcel, Roland, Benoit, & Camille Gosselin; two sisters, Yvonne Lamoureaux and Lucienne Brousseau; and a grandson, Jules Beloin. Memorial calling hours will be on Friday, January 27, 2012, from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. at the Jenkins & Newman Funeral Home in Colebrook, NH. A memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, January 28, at 11 a.m. in the chapel of St. James’ Catholic Church in Island Pond, Vt. An interment service will be held at St. Matthew’s Cemetery in the spring in Stanhope, Quèbec. Expressions of sympathy in memory of Mrs. Cote may be made to the Orleans-Essex VNA & Hospice, 46 Lakemont Rd., Newport, VT 05855. Condolences may be offered to the family on-line by going to www.jenkinsnewman.com. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Jenkins & Newman Funeral Home, Colebrook, NH.

Therese M. Cote

December 8, 1927 - January 17, 2012