It is with profound sorrow that we announce that Nora Lezada-Côté peacefully passed away on January 25, 2024, surrounded by family and loved ones.
She is survived by her beloved husband Jean Côté, daughter Ginette (Martin Manseau), son Jean-Pierre, grand-children: Chloé, Noah, Abriel and Anna, sister Emilia Fernandez, and brother-in-law Régis Côté, as well as many nephews and nieces, relatives, and friends. Predeceased by her brothers Paquito and Casiano, half-brother Romulo (Rosario Acheta), and sisters Angelita Balangatan, Rosalina Arrieta, Paraluman, and Luzviminda.
Nora was born in Santa Teresa, Occ. Mindoro, Philippines. Following high school, she worked in various capacities at the National Center for Mental Health while studying part-time to obtain a Certificate in Secretarial Science and a degree in Education.
She arrived in Kingston, ON in 1966 where she worked as secretary of a ward at St. Mary’s of the Lake Hospital, then library assistant at Queen’s University before graduating with a Master of Library Science from Western University in London ON. She worked in various Federal Organisations before managing the Labour College and the Canadian Labour Congress Library. She was an active member of various Filipino associations.
Mrs. Côté (or “Mommy,” “Inay,” “Tita Nora,” or “Auntie Noring”) will be remembered for her smile, warm presence, sense of humour and love for people. Her hospitality was legendary. Everyone was welcome. No one could come to her home without being fed her delicious cooking, made with love. She touched the lives of many and was much loved. She fulfilled her dream of helping bring one of each of her siblings’ children to Canada.
An artist at her core, she never ceased to find beauty in nature as well as simple objects. This, combined with her immense talent, was evident in her floral arrangements, intricate sewing projects, decorations, and, above all, in her stunning oil paintings. She also loved singing, gardening and nurturing her indoor plants, bringing beauty into every corner of her life.
Relatives and friends are invited to meet with the family at the Coopérative funéraire de l'Outaouais - Pavillon Lac-Beauchamp, 750, boul. Maloney Est Gatineau, QC, on Friday, February 9, from 5:30 to 9:30 pm.
It will also be possible to attend the viewing online, live or by replay, by following the link https://commemora.tv/fr/diffusions/85833
In case of a technical problem during the live webcast, it will be possible to view the replay at a later time.
The funeral mass will be held at the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church, 320 Olmstead Street, Vanier, ON, on Saturday, February 10, at 10 am. Burial will follow at Saint-Joseph d’Orléans Cemetery, 2757 St. Joseph Blvd, Orléans, ON.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Gatineau Health Foundation, Alzheimer Society or Canadian Wildlife Federation would be appreciated. Thank you.
The family thanks the team at Chartwell Cité-Jardin, the CISSSO 24/7 PSW’s (OptiNursing) and the Palliative Care Team at the Gatineau Hospital, for their care and compassion.
Messages of condolence may be sent to www.cfo.coop
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