Rita D. Cote passed away in the arms of her devoted caregiver,Sue Laberge, on March 10, 2018 just shy of her 80th birthday.

Born April 19, 1938, Rita was a special woman with a true innocence and a love of life that was a joy to everyone around her. She had a passion for drawing and spent many hours creating beautiful renditions of her favorite things, high heels and purses! Born and brought up in Winooski, she and her family moved to New Haven and later settling in Vergennes.

She was the beloved daughter of Ida Dupont Cote and sister to Joseph Cote, both who predeceased her. Her best friends were friends she met at Project Independence. She enjoyed her days there and loved the caregivers who always made her feel very special. She leaves behind her dearest friends Lynn and Michael Donnelly and Susan and Greg Burdick and Sue Laberge.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Francis Xavier in Winooski on April 19th at 10:00. Gifts in her memory may be sent to Project Independence, 112 Exchange Street, Middlebury, VT 05753. Condolences may be shared at www.lavignefuneralhome.com