Susan J. Cote, 79 of Devils Lake formerly of Willow City, ND passed away on Monday, March 9, 2026 at the Lakota Good Samaritan Center in the loving care of family and HIA Hospice.

Funeral Services for Susan will be on Wednesday, March 18, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake with Reverend Bruce Dick officiating.

Susan Jean Cote (79) was born December 7, 1946 to Ralph and Dorthy “Jean” Schumacher Cote. She graduated High School from Norte Dame Academy 1965 in Willow City, ND. She graduated the licensed nursing program at Lake Region State College in Devils Lake, ND in 1966. After graduation she worked at Mercy Hospital in Devils Lake.

Susan’s faith was important to her and she made the decision to go to northern Canada to study to be a missionary. When she returned to the States two years later she worked on the Spirit Lake Reservation with a number of programs. During this time Susan adopted her son Ethan who was the light of her life.

She was an active member of the Bethel Free Church including singing with Ethan in the music program. She loved music and took lessons to play the piano and guitar. She was also heard humming a tune when working. Susan went on two church mission trips to Venezuela.

Later in life she suffered some medical problems and was admitted to the Lakota Good Samaritan Nursing home. She made friends there including Dennis a special friend.

Susan is survived by her son Ethan and her granddaughter Hermione; siblings Carolyn Cote, Williston; David Cote (Connie), Bismarck; Barb Schmaus (Pierce), Glendive, MT; Doug Cote, Breckenridge, CO; and Jennifer Cote, Williston.

Preceding her in death were her parents.