Lionel E. Cote

AUBURN - Lionel Emile C�t�, 88, formerly of Acadia Street, Lewiston, died peacefully in his sleep on December 29, 2006 at Clover Manor, where he had been a patient for the past two years.Mr. C�t� was born in Lewiston, Maine on February 10, 1918 to Louis and Elina (Pelletier) C�t�. �He was educated at Holy Cross School. �He married his loving wife of 67 years, Marie-Blanche Fortin on September 7, 1940.Mr. C�t� served in the United States Army in World War II, landing on the beaches of Normandy, France during the Liberation of France. Since Lionel spoke French, he was asked to find food for the troops. �This is how he met and befriended a young 13 year old French boy, Pierre LeBrun, who's father had been taken prisoner by the Germans. �Pierre wrote to Marie-Blanche to inform her that Lionel was alive and well. �The two became close friends and have kept in touch throughout the years. �Pierre and his family have come to the States and met Lionel's family. �Lionel and Blanche visited Pierre and his wife, G�n�vi�ve, in Normandy to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Invasion.After the War, Lionel worked for Elmer Walker Plumbing and Heating, and then until his retirement, for Ted Walker. �Throughout the years he was a devoted Husband and Father. �His family always came first. �They enjoyed many family trips to Canada to visit family and friends there, especially enjoying collecting sap to make maple syrup.Upon his retirement, he enjoyed tinkering around the house and traveling. �His most memorable trip was going to France to reunite with his Friend.He was a gentile and loving man as well as a prankster and practical joker.He is survived by his loving wife, Marie-Blanche, three sons: Donald and his wife Kim; Paul and his wife Louise, all of Lewiston; Roger and his wife Joline, of Sabattus; his favorite daughter, Diane Kirouac of Auburn; a son-in-law Daniel Kirouac of Auburn; two sisters: Mrs. Simonne Landry and her husband Lionel, and Muguette C�t� of Lewiston; and two sisters-in-law: Adrienne C�t� of Lewiston, and Raymonde C�t� of Ontario, CA. �He was predeceased by his parents; a sister, Alberta C�t�; and four brothers: Joseph-Albert, Laurier, Gerard and L�o. �He also leaves behind eight grandchildren: �Angela Wojcik, Dawn Kelley, Kara Cougle, Chandra Sturgis, Olivia C�t�, Thomas C�t�, Justin C�t�, and Allen Kirouac; six great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.He will be sadly missed by family, and friends. �The family wishes to extend a warm, heartfelt, and sincere thank you to the staff at Clover Manor and Androscoggin Home Health. COTE died in Auburn, December 29, 2006, Mr. Lionel E. Cote age 88 years formerly of Acadia St., LewistonA Mass of Christian Burial will be held TUESDAY 9:00AM at Holy Cross Church. Burial with military honors will be held THURSDAY 2:00PM at Maine Veteran's Memorial Cemetery Chapel Mt. Vernon Rd. Augusta.Should friends desire memorial donations may be made in Lionel's memory to the Alzheimer's Association 163 Lancaster St. Suite 160B Portland, ME 04101-2406 or www.alz.org.Online condolences and sharing of memories may be expressed at www.lynchbrothers.comVisitation Monday 2-4 & 7-9PM at the family owned PINETTE & LYNCH FUNERAL HOME 305 Alfred Plourde Parkway Lewiston, 784-4023