1929 – 2013

AUBURN — Verna A. Cote, 84, of Lewiston, passed peacefully on Saturday, Nov. 9, with her loving family surrounding her.

She was born on May 6, 1929, to Ortho and Georgianna (Smith) Dolloff in Winthrop and raised in Mt. Vernon, along with her three sisters. She ventured to Connecticut and later to Atlantic City, N.J., at a young age to work and make her own way as a waitress. She met many celebrities there.

Verna married Joseph Guenette and accompanied him to Germany after World War II, where she fed orphaned children. Their union produced one daughter. Later, the couple divorced.

She then moved to Auburn to be closer to family while raising her daughter. In 1967, she met and later married Maurice Cote, and they were together until he passed in June 1985.

Verna worked at several area restaurants as a waitress and cook. After retirement, she continued to enjoy cooking and sharing her culinary skills with family and friends. Just about everyone she knew has fond memories of her cooking.

She enjoyed spending time with friends and family and was frequently known to socialize with an Old Milwaukee in her hand. She loved the Red Sox, “gambling,” and especially enjoyed doting on her grandchildren and her great-great nieces.

Verna is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Sharon and Richard Nielsen; her stepson, Paul Cote Sr.; grandsons, Paul Cote Jr. and Brian and Eric Nielsen; her special nephew and his wife, Rance and Sue Ranger; and great-nephews and spouse, Jason and Sara Ranger, and Ronald Ranger; great-niece and her spouse, Jenny and Dennis Russell; and their wonderful families.

She was predeceased by her parents; her three sisters and brothers-in-law, Florence and William Cummings, Madeline (Ranger) Guerney, Oscar Ranger, and Marion and Wayne Walker; and nephew, Douglas Walker.

Verna had many very special family members and friends too numerous to list. She lived simply and loved well — she will be missed.

Condolences may be expressed at www.funeralalternatives.net.

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