Gabrielle B. (Boucher) Cote

Gabrielle (Boucher) Cote, age 84, died on July 4, 2013 in Falmouth, Maine. Born in Westbrook, March 24, 1929, she was the daughter of Raoul and Alphonsine Boucher and sister to Girouard, Antoinette, Victor, Maurice, Andre, Adrian and Paul Emile. Gaby was a devoted wife to her husband, Joseph Paul (J.P.) Cote, of Westbrook and Hudson, Florida. She is survived by her children Suzanne Lamb of Westbrook, David Cote and his wife Christine of Brunswick and Thomas Cote of Portland; grandchildren James Niemi of Westbrook, Ryan Navarro Cote and his wife Sandra of Santa Fe, New Mexico and Joseph Lamb of Scarborough; great-grandchildren Ryley Navarro Cote and Bayleigh Lamb; and her brother, Paul Emile Boucher of Stratton, Maine. She was pre-deceased by great-grandchild Sophia Boucher Navarro Cote. Gaby would be the first to tell you that she lived a good life. She was devoted to her family and especially loved the holidays, the Super Bowl or any occasion that called for a gathering of family and friends. Holiday dinners, special occasions, family reunions were always graced by her famous crab dip and homemade white chocolate bark. She was one of the few people on the planet who could make a fruitcake that was actually very, very good. She had a green thumb and a talent for arts and crafts. Gaby loved flowers and spent many years as a floral designer in the Greater Portland area. She especially enjoyed designing wedding bouquets. She made incredible quilts, afghans and Christmas ornaments without using a pattern. Music was another passion â€“ she especially enjoyed show tunes and music from the 40â€™s and 50â€™s, singing in the church choir and playing piano. When she played â€œ11 Oâ€™Clock Jump,â€ you couldnâ€™t help but tap your feet. Her favorite song was â€œEdelwiess.â€ Gaby loved children and was always ready to listen to a good knock-knock joke. Neighborhood kids knew where to go for a cookie, a band-aid or a cold drink. She spent many years as a volunteer reading tutor for 5 to 7 year olds and, later, as a senior volunteer at Maine Medical Center in Portland, making baby blankets and caps. Gaby and J.P. spent their retirement years in Florida and enjoyed hosting visitors from Maine. They were the perfect hosts and tour guides for family and friends. The only thing they required from their guests was that you get up at the crack of dawn â€“ they had much to showcase and wouldnâ€™t want any visitor to miss a thing. During the last few years of her life, Gaby suffered from Alzheimerâ€™s â€“ a battle she fought with courage and dignity. We, her children, Sue, Dave and Tom, are very grateful for our motherâ€™s unwavering love and support. She was a gentle and kind soul who made every day special and made each of us feel special every day. When we were very young we put our Mom on a pedestal and we are proud to report that she never once slipped off. At Gabrielleâ€™s request there will not be a viewing. A church service will be held at St. Anthonyâ€™s Church on Brown Street in Westbrook at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 10, 2013. Arrangements are by Blais & Hay Funeral Home of Westbrook. Those wishing to offer a memorial in lieu of flowers are asked to consider the Alzheimerâ€™s Association and the American Brain Foundation. The family wishes to thank the incredible staff at Sedgewood Commons, in Falmouth, for their loving care of Gaby in her last months and their generous support of everyone related to her. On line Condolences may be expressed at www.blaisandhayfuneralhome.com.

Gabrielle B. (Boucher) Cote

March 24, 1929 - July 4, 2013

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