2014 January 10: Suzanne Leighton Cote

Suzanne Leighton Cote, former resident of Jaffrey, New Hampshire died peacefully on Friday, Jan. 10, 2014, at the Hyder Family Hospice House in Dover. Suzanne was being comforted by family at the time of her passing. She was 68 years old.

Suzanne was born on Feb. 24, 1945, in Wichita, Kansas firstborn of the late Russell and Eleanor (Marden) Luebker. She was a 1962 graduate of North Reading (Mass.) High School and attended Vesper George School of Art in Boston. She had lived in Jaffrey for many years until moving to Durham in 2009.

Suzanne was a graphic designer, having worked early in her career in the corporate offices of Star Market, and as the Art Director at Osco Drug. Suzanne even modeled briefly with Turn*Style Stores before turning to freelance work until her retirement in 1998. Most recently, Suzanne had returned to the fine arts, exploring pastel painting and producing many fine works.

Suzanne enjoyed gardening, reading, and engaging in a variety of folk arts. She loved the beach, spending time every summer in Maine. She especially enjoyed spending time with family and friends.

Suzanne spent the last few days of her life with her brother, Bradford William Luebker, who was also receiving care at the Hyder Family Hospice House. He died Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014.

Suzanne is survived by her loving husband, Alan C. Cote of Durham; daughter and son-in-law, Gretchen and Mark Vatalaro of Nashua; daughter and son-in-law, Erica and Brian Thompson of Raymond; daughter and son-in-law, Emily and Eric MacPherson of Glenmoore, Pa.; step-daughter, Lisa Salotti of Geneva, N.Y; six grandchildren; one step-grandchild; and her sister-in-law, Stacie Luebker of Fryeburg, Maine.

Family and friends are warmly invited to calling hours on Friday, Jan. 17, 2014 from Noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Cournoyer Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 33 River Street, (Route 202), Jaffrey.

Funeral services will be held immediately following calling hours at 1:30 p.m. in the chapel of the funeral home. Rev. Wilfred Deschamps, Pastor of Saint Patrick Church in Jaffrey will be the celebrant. Burial will be in Saint Patrick Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Memorial contributions are respectfully requested to be made in Suzanne's name to the New England Heart Institute at the Catholic Medical Center, c/o Catholic Medical Center Philanthropy, 100 McGregor Street, Manchester, NH 03102.