Jean Marie Cote

Born on February 10, 1930, in Saint-Flavien, Quebec, Jean was one of many siblings raised on the family farm by his parents, Henri and Eva (Blouin) Cote. He carried the values of hard work and family with him throughout his life. As a young man, he worked the land in Quebec before following opportunity and family ties to Michigan, where he would begin a new chapter that would define the rest of his life.

Jean's early years in the U.S. were spent building homes alongside his brothers. He later began a long and steady career with General Motors, where he worked with pride and dedication until his retirement at age 55. Retirement didn’t slow him down—instead, it gave him more time for what mattered most: his family.

He was the beloved husband of Francine Cote (née Pinard), the love of his life. Their story began on a double date through mutual friends and blossomed into a marriage of 68 years filled with laughter, love, and countless memories. Together, they raised three children: Roger Cote, Therese (Michael) Frey, and Carole (Jeff) Clark.

Jean’s legacy continues through his grandchildren—Anthony (Nicole), Michael (Katie), Sydney, Ella, and Michael—and great-grandchildren Holden and Aylah. He also leaves behind his cherished siblings Doris, Benoit, Normand, and Claude, along with many nieces and nephews who adored him.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings Jules, Julien, Roger, Andre, Emile, Bertrand, and Norbert.

A man of quiet strength and deep faith, Jean was a longtime member of St. Bernadine Catholic Church, where he raised his children and found community and comfort through the years.

Jean found joy in the simple things—a good newspaper, a cold beer at day’s end, and the company of loved ones. He loved music, often using song as a way to learn English after arriving in the U.S. He could be found outdoors tending to his vegetable garden or manning the grill at family barbecues. Camping trips, trips back to Quebec and Windsor to visit loved ones, and singing old songs filled his days with happiness. But his greatest joy was his family—especially his grandchildren, who he helped take care of and loved deeply. Jean will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.

A Funeral Service will take place at 11:00 am on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at the Harry J. Will Funeral Home, 37000 Six Mile Road, Livonia, Michigan 48152. Jean’s family will receive visitors from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm on Friday, May 2, 2025, and again on Saturday from 10:00 am until the time of service at 11:00 am. A burial will follow at Parkview Memorial Cemetery in Livonia at 12:30 pm.