Cecile A. (Devillers) Cote

Cecile A. deVillers Cote, age 78, died peacefully in her childhood home at 795 Second Street in Fall River on February 26. With the caring support of Beacon Hospice, Mrs. Cote was able to remain at home with her devoted daughter while she battled Emphysema and Alzheimers disease. She was the widow of the late James L. Cote II and the daughter of the late Alice (Boudreau) deVillers and the late Romeo deVillers. She was the sister of the late Paul deVillers, MD of Westport and the late Andre deVillers of Tiverton. Her only surviving brother is Robert deVillers of Delaware. She was the mother of one daughter, Jocelyn Cote-Medeiros and her husband Messias Medeiros of Fall River, and three sons, James Cote of Fall River, Michael Cote and his wife Deborah of Seekonk, and Stephen Cote and his wife Viktoria of California. She also leaves behind four beloved grand-daughters, Alicia and Sarah Medeiros, Allison and Alena Cote, and one grandson, Erik Heath. Mrs. Cote was a graduate of Dominican Academy and attended Salve Regina College. She worked many years as an X-ray Technician at St. Annes and Truesdale Hospitals. However, her love of children led her to a 20 year career as a teaching assistant, first at Durfee High School and later at Coughlin School. She had a great passion for music and was an especially talented classical pianist. She was also an avid animal lover who often cared for neighborhood strays and always stopped to help animals in distress. She was a member of Homes and Rights for Animals, St. Anne's Parish and St. Mary's Senior Club. In her retirement, Mrs. Cote loved to travel, attend concerts, play Bingo, and spend time with her pets, family and friends. She was an adventurous child at heart who especially loved roller coaster rides with her grand-daughters. Later she enjoyed many fun-filled days at the Riverview Adult Day Care. Her spirit was kind and gentle, and she will always be remembered as a cheerful woman, even in the midst of her illness. Following cremation, a memorial service will be held to celebrate her life. Family and Friends are invited to mass at St. Anne's Church on Saturday, March 6, at 10:00 AM, followed by a memorial brunch at McGoverns Restaurant. In lieu of flowers, please send memorial donations to Beacon Hospice, 182 No. Main St., Fall River MA 02720 and/or Faxon Animal Rescue League, 474 Durfee St., Fall River MA 02720.