Paula Joan Cote

Paula Joan Cote of Fort Collins, Co. passed away on March 1 after a long and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

She was the embodiment of caring and compassion, serving with the warmest heart as a mother, wife, sister, daughter, and nurse—all roles she relished and performed with the deepest love for her family, friends, patients, co-workers, and dogs.

The mother was strongest in Paula, and not just for her own children. She was a mother to everyone who came close to her. Her boys—Justin, Kris, and Tyler—know the true depth of her love, even if smothering at times. Her husband, Roger, knew that feeling as well—as did many others, no doubt. It was a warm and welcome feeling.

Paula was very proud of her sons, and their personal and professional accomplishments. She loved the brightness of their futures. She had the deepest love for her daughters-in-law, Marissa and Virginia, and was sweetened by the charm they brought to her family. She was also fully enamored with her beautiful grandchildren Isabella, Bennett, and Zara. She basked in their glow whenever they were around, and was astonished by their smart, loving, and playful personalities. They truly were her pride and joy!

She was also a loving daughter of Paul and Barbara Cody of Manchester N.H. She genuinely loved her father in the way that fathers hope that their daughters love them—he was her inspiration for strength. She loved her mother with a love that can only be understood by mothers and daughters in their most intimate moments. Ma is the cornerstone, the strength of those bonds.

Paula was a devoted sister to Susan, Patty, Denise, Kevin, and Brian. She was happy and proud to be part of a caring and loving family. She loved her visits to New Hampshire to spend cherished time with her family and friends. She had a special fondness for time spent with Brian in Colorado.

She was supported and loved by a lot of people around the country, and we are grateful for all your support.

Paula was an animal lover and in particular a dog lover. Five Beagles and two Cocker Spaniels over the years brought her laughter, comfort, and joy. She never tired of their antics and glowed from their unconditional love.

Paula served as a CNA, nurse’s aide, and ultimately RN-BSN in her professional life. She was very proud of her work with her patients and co-workers, many of whom became close friends to her. Her deepest connections were formed while working with Columbine Health and within the Poudre Valley Health system, finishing her career with UC Health. She often expressed gratitude for the people she worked with, and was even more grateful for their special care and support when she needed medical attention. We all thank you very special people for your dedication and service to her in our time of need!

Paula left a message for us all when she wrote her Advanced Directive. She said, “if anyone asks how I want to be remembered, please say the following about me:

"I loved my family both near and far—they were always in my heart. I loved all the dogs we had—they were my peace. I enjoyed my jobs, not for the work but for the people I had the pleasure of meeting and being with—my friends.”

She held Diane, Lisa, Megan, Becky, Candy, Cindy, Katrina, Katherine, and others as her dearest friends. You all know who you are, and we thank you for your love for Paula and for how you enriched her life.

We thank the entire team at Pathways for their passionate care for her and for all of us. Special thanks to Sarah, Sandy, Matt, Molly, Linda, Cate, and Valerie. We all have better hearts thanks to the whole team involved in her final journey. We cannot express our gratitude enough for your help, kindness, and care for our beloved Paula.

We thank you all who have thought about us and kept us in your prayers.

Per Paula’s wishes, there will be no public services in Colorado. She asks that you celebrate her life in your way when you can remember her in happier times.

A private celebration of life will be held for her family and closest friends in Colorado.

For her New Hampshire family and friends, a memorial service will be held at 10:00 AM on March 22 at Ste. Marie church. The service is open to all who knew and loved her. The internment is reserved for family and a few select friends. We ask that you please respect our need for privacy at that time.

Paula and her family request that in lieu of flowers and other gifts, you please consider a memorial contribution to either the ASPCA or Children’s Cancer charities. Even in her passing, she thinks of others first.