Bonnie Lee Cote-Masselle, 66; Lifelong Berlin Resident

From Berlin Memorial Funeral Home.

It is with profound sadness that the Coté Family announces the loss of our beloved sister – Bonnie Lee Coté-Masselle – March 1, 2015 at the age of 66, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Born on Good Friday of a Leap Year – March 26, 1948 – an alignment of days that will never occur again – she was the first child of the late Alfred J. Coté and the late Betsy I. (McQueeney) Coté.

A lifelong Berlin resident she attended local schools and was a graduate of St Thomas Aquinas High school. A beautiful, sweet and industrious young woman, she was the first employee of the Abel Coil Company – from which she retired after more than 30 years. She also worked as a Sales Clerk at the original Deeter’s Bake Shoppe and at Berlin Pharmacy. A generous soul, she loved to indulge her parents and four younger siblings with many wonderful gifts. Later in life she worked for and annoyed daily her brother at “Chris Coté’s Intermission.”

Bonnie is survived by her son – who was the joy of her life – Francis Paul Masselle, Jr. of Plainville, two brothers – Christopher M. Coté and his wife Patricia (Kelly) of Berlin – with whom she made her home, Robin W. Coté and his wife Paula (Zappone) of Wethersfield, a sister – Nancy C. Tierinni of East Hartford, her Aunt and Godmother – Lorraine T. Coté of New Britain, seven nephews, one niece, 2 great nephews, 2 great nieces and many, many cousins who will all miss her dearly.

Her beautiful smile, endless generosity to her family and friends, and her optimistic view of life through sickness, sadness, struggle and strife should be a lesson to us all that one single person can make the world a better place.

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, March 7, 2015 at 10:00 am at Kensington United Methodist Church, 103 Hotchkiss Street, Kensington, CT 06037. Friends and Family may pay their respects from 9:00 to 10:00 AM, also at Kensington United Methodist Church.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that Memorial Donations be made in Bonnie’s Memory to: CHANNEL 3 KIDS CAMP, c/o Denise Hornbecker, 73 Times Farm Road, Andover, CT 06232.

The Berlin Memorial Funeral Home is assisting the family. To share memories or express condolences online, visit www.Berlinmemorialfuneralhome.com