Linda Ann Cote

SHREWSBURY- Linda Ann (Putnam) Cote, age 78, passed away peacefully, at Shrewsbury Rehabilitation and Nursing Home on December 9, 2024. Linda was born in Worcester, Massachusetts to parents George and Ann Putnam in 1946. She spent much of her childhood and young adult life in West Boylston MA. She graduated from West Boylston Middle/High School in the class of 1964 and attended some community college before marrying her first husband, Roger Nelson, and starting a family.

She was a stay-at-home Mom while her children were young and was very active in their lives and her community. Like many parents, besides ‘Mom’, she wore many hats including taxi driver, support councilor, tutor, caregiver and friend. Linda volunteered as a leader for numerous youth activity groups, community and church groups as well as taking many craft courses. When her children got older, she returned to work as an accountant and continued in that profession for many years until she retired.

Linda laughed so easily and often, always with a glint in her eye and finding the bright side or humor in each of life’s challenges. She often shared her optimism and belief that everything was going to be alright even in the most difficult times. Although Linda was not one to want to be the center of attention, she was indeed a matriarch in her family, always welcoming in family, friends and neighbors. Her passion for cooking proved to be a wonderful outlet for her creativity. Linda was amazing in the kitchen, prompting frequent requests for her delicious home cooked meals and recipes. Eventually, she retired to Florida with her late husband Louis Cote Jr., where she enjoyed traveling, boating and exploring her new community for many years. Following her husband’s passing in 2016, she returned to Massachusetts to be closer to her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and family.

She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law Stephen and Jennifer Nelson of Oxford, MA, daughter and son-in-law Tammy and Michael Fuller of Dunbarton, NH, brother and sister-in law David and Leslie Putnam, sister and brother-in-law Georgiann and Timothy Guerin, her 7 grandchildren (Adam, Jamie, Matthew, Jessica, Nathaniel, Heather and Zachary) and 8 great-grandchildren (Adeline, Hayden, Emma, Ben, Evie, Cam, Skylar and Julian) as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Linda lived a full life, was loved immensely and will be greatly missed by all. The family wishes to thank the staff at the Shrewsbury Nursing & Rehabilitation Center as well as the Jewish Healthcare Hospice for their care and support. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made on Linda’s behalf to the St Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Private Services will be held at a later date.