Bertha B. (Abdoo) Cote

Mrs. Bertha B. (Abdoo) Cote, age 85, of Utica, passed away on Sunday, July 11, 2010 at the Mohawk Valley Nursing Home, Inc. in Ilion, with the love and support of her family. Born in Carthage, NY on February 8, 1925, Bertha was the daughter of the late Naphan and Duba Abdoo. She was raised and educated in Carthage and attended the Augustinian Academy. On November 9, 1958 she married Walter E. Cote who passed away on August 6, 2007; Bertha and Walter were blessed with a true accord for nearly 50 years and cared for each other in very traditional ways. Bertha’s first working experience took place in a local paper mill, after which she was a dental assistant for Dr. Walters while living in Carthage. The couple relocated to Rome, NY after their marriage, and in addition to caring for her husband, daughter, and home, Bertha held jobs at Woolworth’s as a clerk, at Ft. Stanwix Elementary School as a teacher’s aide, and the Rome Sentinel Newspaper. In 1986 they moved to Utica where they spent their retirement years and enjoyed traveling especially to Florida. Bertha was an independent spirit and a woman of determination. When she was in her early twenties, she and her girlfriends dropped by Ft. Drum to attend the camp dances and dance with the soldiers. Among her many interests, Bertha loved to sit in the sun, interact with people, find flea markets, the art of crocheting, ceramics, dining out, and was an avid card player. She also liked to read romance novels, solve word searches, intellectual jumbles, and word challenges, and watch World War II films, western movies, comedies, WWF Wrestling, and her soap operas. As a fan of C-Span, she was able to keep up on current events. She was proud of her Lebanese heritage, her Church, and her many cherished friendships. She upheld family traditions during Christmas, her favorite holiday to celebrate. A woman of faith, she offered novenas as a sacrifice to God, and regularly recited the Rosary. She was a parishioner of St. Louis Gonzaga Church. Bertha is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Pamela A. and Eric D. Bouck of Utica; and her adored grandson, Richard J. Bouck. Survivors also include her nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, in-laws, Howard and Ranko Cote of Albany, Mary Louis of RI, and Meredith and Ponsy Cote of Watertown; and her longtime friends, Lewis and Mela Javarone, Pearl and Bob Hierholtzer, and Margaret and Anthony Siringo. She was predeceased by her sisters and brothers-in-law, Jamal and Abdoo Kamide, Kate and Camille Astafan, and Flora Abdoo; her infant brother; and her friends, Rita and Joe Capanna. The family would like to extend gratitude to Bertha’s primary care physicians and health care providers, and a special thanks to her former pastor and friend, Fr. Bassam Saade, for his personal interest in Bertha’s life. Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 4:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. The Prayer of Incense will be offered this evening at the funeral home by Deacon Paul Salamy. Bertha’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Thursday morning at 8:30 from the funeral home and at 9:30 at St. Louis Gonzaga Church where her mass will be celebrated. Committal prayers and interment will follow graveside in St. James Cemetery, Carthage.

Bertha B. (Abdoo) Cote

February 8, 1925 - July 11, 2010