GRANTHAM, NH — Lillian Edith Cote, 98, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 17, 2020.

She was born in Grantham, NH, on Miller Pond Road, on March 23, 1922, to Gladys and Lawrence Wright. Throughout her childhood and teenage years, she lived in multiple homes around Grantham. She often spoke fondly of spending summers with her Aunt and Uncle, Bertha and Roy Marshall, on their farm in Lancaster, NH.

Lillian worked in the shoe shops, in Newport, NH, making military boots, during World War II. She had fond memories of making wonderful friends there and was proud of her contribution to the war effort. While they were all away at war, Lillian wrote many letters to her brother, Gordon, many childhood friends, and beau, Kiddo Cote, whom she had met at the dance hall in Grantham Village, before he had enlisted, noticing he had a great smile and beautiful eyes. She traveled across the US, by train, to visit Kiddo, in California, where he was stationed on leave

from WWII.

Lillian married Wilfred “Kiddo” Cote, on August 7, 1944, in Grantham, while he was home on leave. After the war, Lillian and Kiddo made their home on Burpee Hill, in Grantham, raising two sons, Larry and Donald. Lilllian and Kiddo lived happily together on the hill for 65 years. They loved their home and Lilian took great pride in making the property beautiful by planting many shrubs and perennials. Her peonies, lilacs and forsythia continue to grow and thrive.

Lillian loved to travel and remembered fondly her trips to Hawaii, Ireland, Arkansas and the Blue Ridge Mountains with her friends and sisters-in-law. She and Kiddo took their granddaughters, when they were young, on amazing trips to Prince Edward Island, Pennsylvania Dutch Country and Florida, where she was the coolest grandmother ever for riding on all the rides, including Space Mountain. Later in life Lillian greatly enjoyed the family train trip to Washington DC, with Kiddo, her son, Donnie, daughter-in-law Carol, granddaughters Kim and Dawn, grandson in-law, Shawn and great grandchildren Riley and Emerson, to visit the WWII Memorial, to honor Kiddo and Gordon, and to take in all the other wonderful sights of our Capital. Just before Kiddo’s passing, the family was able to take another amazing trip to Bar Harbor, Maine, for the celebration of Lillian and Kiddo’s 65th wedding anniversary, this time including great-granddaughter, Colbie.

Lillian loved to travel to Foxwood and Mohegan Sun Casinos with Kiddo and then later with friends and family. She saved her quarters religiously, awaiting her next trip to play the slot machines and seemed to always come out on top. Her last trip to the casino, several years ago, involved a wheelchair, but it did not lessen her enthusiasm or stamina. Another love of Lillian’s was desserts. She was known for her sweet tooth and would never turn down ice cream or a great doughnut. The twinkle in her eyes, when she ate dessert first, will not be forgotten. She also loved shopping, driving and getting her hair done. Her hair was always on point.

Lillian was a wonderful homemaker and a great cook. She took great care of Kiddo and enjoyed joining him, and his extended family, on fishing trips. They also had wonderful camping adventures with friends and family.

Lillian was adored by her husband, Kiddo, and her family. She will be greatly missed by all. Her family was so blessed to have her next door on Burpee Hill until 4 years ago, at which time she moved into a beautiful apartment at Quail Hollow, where she made many friends and was loved by all. After one year there, she moved to The Davis Home, in Windsor, VT, where she resided at the time of her passing. She enjoyed getting her hair and nails done there and loved to chat with the staff and keep up on the gossip. She was very appreciative of the kindness and

help she received.

Lillian was predeceased by her loving husband, Kiddo, in 2009, and her son, Larry, in 1970, her brother Gordon Wright, her half brother George Berry and many other family members and friends. She is survived by her son, Donald Cote and daughter-in-law, Carol, of Grantham, granddaughters, Tammy Cote of Newport, NH, Kimberly Cote Sleeper (Shawn) of Grantham, Melissa Cote Blackwell (Shady) of Unity, Dawn Cote (Houston) of Grantham, Karen Michaud (Les) of Newport, great-grandchildren Michael Blackwell (Molly), Catherine Blackwell (Kyle),

Aaron Decelle, Riley Cote Sleeper, Emerson Cote Sleeper, Colbie Cote Fratzel, Robert Thorson, Lauryn Thorson, Denali Thorson, and great-great granddaughter Brynlee Blackwell. She is also survived by her half brother Egar Berry, cousin and friend Becky Pillsbury Flynn and many nieces and nephews.

Lillian’s mischievous laugh, twinkling blue eyes, and adventurous spirit will be greatly missed. It is the family’s belief that she is having a beautiful reunion with Kiddo and Larry and they are already on a wonderful adventure.

There will be no calling hours or service at this time. A graveside service and burial will be announced and held in the late spring, once the flowers are in bloom and the sun is shining.

To sign an online guestbook please visit www.chadwickfuneralservice.com.