Marguerite Marie Côté
Obituary
It is with profound sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of Marguerite Cote on Sunday, June 21, 2026, at the age of 80 – just 59 days after her cherished husband, Buzz, of 58 years, left us.
Marguerite was born in Ste. Agathe, Manitoba, to Samuel and Dorothy Nolette, the eldest of seven children in the Nolette family. She began school at a younger age than most, learning to speak French in order to teach it to her mother. She often reminisced about her joyful experiences at school in Ste. Agathe and the valuable lessons she received from the nuns. Excelling academically, she completed grade 11 and subsequently taught in the Suncrest colony for two years, maintaining close ties with many students and their families, who she would often visit, even bringing along her children and grandchildren.
After her time at Suncrest, she transitioned to teaching in Vassar, where her life took a beautiful turn when she met the love of her life, Denis (Buzz) Cote. Marguerite taught in a one-room schoolhouse during its final year, and Buzz would often joke that he had to marry her because she was the last teacher at Vassar School. They wed on July 8, 1967, and began their journey together. Initially, they lived with Buzz’s mother, assisting with chores and managing paperwork for the family business. Marguerite cherished those memories, sharing many amusing stories about life in a large family and the challenges of a small space.
They soon built their own home in Vassar, where they welcomed their son, Darryl. Darryl was a thoughtful and calm child, often found observing his mother closely, even helping her prepare meals for guests. A few years later, they welcomed their adventurous daughter, Audrey, who kept Marguerite on her toes with her daring antics and her knack for bringing home new pets.
Marguerite loved hosting visitors, whether they were passing by at lunchtime or planned family gatherings. There was always a pot of soup simmering on the stove and something delicious to share. She fondly recalled her siblings and nieces and nephews spending time with the family in Vassar, creating a bustling home filled with warmth. When her parents visited, her father would often mow the lawn while her mother baked in the kitchen.
Marguerite was never afraid to embrace new challenges. Her diverse hobbies included crocheting, bowling, baking, sewing, curling, and gardening. One of her greatest joys was mowing the lawn, a passion shared with her father. As she grew older, her husband gifted her a self-propelled mower to make this task easier, and she took great pride in her yard, often sitting outside to enjoy the sight of her grandchildren playing, the birds in the fountain, and the blooming flowers.
In 1984, Marguerite and Buzz made the difficult decision to move to Steinbach, leaving behind the community of Vassar that had been their entire life. This change opened new doors for her, as she began a career at Loewen Windows while pursuing a Certificate in Municipal Administration. Her dedication and hard work were evident, and her family was proud to celebrate her graduation.
Marguerite later joined the R.M. of Ste. Anne, where she formed many new friendships and engaged in Emergency Management training, often sharing interesting stories about her experiences. Then went to work at the RM of La Broquerie. She then retired for the first time and eventually went to work for the City of Steinbach helping out for a year while someone was off. Then she retired again and after a few years went to work at Walmart when it opened in Steinbach. She said she always dreamed of being a Walmart greeter and she was one of the best. She hugged people and knew everyone. One day when on holidays in Puerto Vallarta she walked into a restaurant and all she heard was someone shout ‘it’s Mrs. Walmart’. After a few years doing this she retired for the final time and helped out and volunteered.
To Marguerite, family was everything. For her, family extended beyond blood relations – it included anyone she welcomed into her life. Looking back, there are countless photographs capturing joyous holiday celebrations filled with laughter and smiles. Despite having large families, their home was always open to others.
In 1995, the arrival of her first grandchild, Zane, brought immense joy, and the bond between them was unbreakable. A year later, Colton joined the family, followed by Zack, rounding out the joyful chaos of cousin sleepovers. The three grandchildren were Marguerite’s favorite topic of conversation, and she cherished the moments spent with them, especially during her later days.
Marguerite was overjoyed to welcome her great-grandchildren, Eden and Atlas, often expressing her gratitude for living to see them join the family. Saturday visits filled with laughter and playful interactions became treasured moments for her and Buzz.
Marguerite was a pillar of strength for her family, demonstrating remarkable resilience as she overcame open-heart surgery and battled three types of cancer, and many surgeries. She then had the tough task of supporting loved ones through the heart-wrenching loss of Buzz, who she missed dearly.
Marguerite will be lovingly remembered by her son Darryl and grandson Colton; her daughter Audrey, her spouse Ed, along with their daughter Zane (Caleb), and their son Zack (Rebecca), as well as her great-grandchildren Eden and Atlas. She is also survived by four siblings, numerous nieces and nephews, and many special friends who were like family.
She fought the good fight, and now it’s time for her to rest and reunite with those who have been waiting for her.
She was predeceased by her Loving Husband Denis (Buzz), parents Samuel and Dorothy, a daughter, Denise Marie in infancy, one sister and one brother.
The memorial service will be held on Friday, July 3, 2026, at 10:30 a.m., at Christ our Saviour Catholic Parish, 365 Loewen Blvd, Steinbach, MB., with lunch to follow at the Pat Porter Active Living Centre with family tributes.
