COTE, Velma

VELMA COTE 1929 – 2023 Velma Eva Cote, beloved wife of her late husband Leo Cote, passed away peacefully at Chinook Regional Hospital on Saturday July 15, 2023 at the age of 93.
Velma was born on September 20, 1929, in the family farmhouse north of Shaunavon, Saskatchewan to Robert and Eva (Frederick) Hack.
She was the 6th of 10 children and after completing grade 9 decided to stay home to assist her mother with her younger siblings.
At age 16, Velma left home to work as a childcare giver, and then as a waitress at the Shaunavon Cafe.
Velma was 17 when she met the “love of her life” Leo, in the Hotel lobby while working as a housekeeper. As her story goes it was an instant attraction to a very handsome man. They were engaged on her 18th birthday and moved to the Lethbridge area in 1949 where they were married on August 13th.
Velma’s love for children became her prime goal in life as she raised her six children. She was a woman of routine and took great pleasure and pride in making sure her family was well clothed and fed. Being a very skilled seamstress, she sewed many clothes for the family and herself. She loved to cook large meals, while making a baker’s dozen of bread every Friday. Tending their large vegetable garden to can and freeze for the winter was one passion, but her flowers were her pride and joy.
Other interests Velma had were knitting, crafting, and reading. She meticulously read the Lethbridge Herald daily, from front to back making sure she read the comics and completed the crosswords and word search.
With camera in hand Velma captured snap shots of the many family camping trips they took. When the nest was finally empty her and Leo travelled to many places all over the world, be it by motorhome, train, or boat. Every trip was then documented, and photo albums made.
Velma had an amazing memory and even at 93, remembering all her family’s birthdays.
Velma was predeceased by her husband Leo, son Richard and grandson Jeffery (at birth).
She will be greatly missed by her sons Don (Linda), Ken (Rita), and David, and daughters Karen (Ed), Linda and daughter-in-law Bonnie (Richard, deceased). Velma is survived by her brother Albert (Geri), sisters Frieda (Maurice, deceased), Margaret (George, deceased), and Rose (John).
She was very proud to be a grandmother of 17, great-grandmother of 35 and great great-grandmother of 15. Her family will continue to grow.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, July 25, 2023 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 – 4 STREET S Lethbridge, AB.
Public visitation from 10:00 – 10:45 am.
A private family internment to follow at Mountain View Cemetery.
Visit www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.