June F. Cote

June was born in Concord, NH, on May 17, 1917 to Helen (Forrest) and Perley Harriman Flanders, and grew up on Perley Street. She graduated from Concord High School in 1934, and received a B.S. degree from the University of New Hampshire in 1938. Her years at UNH as a member of Alpha Xi Delta were some of her happiest, and June served as the Class Secretary for almost 70 years following her graduation. As the result of her dedication to UNH, she received a Meritorious Service Award. After college, she was employed as a social worker in Concord for the State, and for the American Red Cross in Worcester, MA.

In 1945, June married Henry J. Cote, a founding owner of Merrill and Cote Automotive Parts & Service in Concord. Following her husband’s death in 1959, she became the proprietor of the business until it was sold in the mid-1960’s. After returning to UNH in 1965 to obtain certification, she began her beloved teaching career at Epsom Central School where she taught from 1965-1968. From 1968 until her retirement in 1984, she taught in the Pembroke School District, and in 1984 was elected to the Pembroke School Board on which she served until 1993.

June was a member of South Congregational Church for 64 years and also a member and trustee of Pembroke Congregational Church. While living in Pembroke, she enjoyed being involved with the Pembroke Women’s Club, the PTA, was a Charter member at Plausawa Valley Country Club, and started Pembroke’s first Brownie troop in 1954. In her senior years, as a resident of Heritage Heights, she enjoyed volunteering for the Society for the Protection of NH Forests and the NH Audubon Society.

She is survived by her daughters, Christina J. (Donald) Barley of Madison, WI, and Andrea J. (David) McGahan of Concord. Chris and Andi remember their mom as a strong, independent woman who unselfishly raised them as a single parent and always encouraged and supported their endeavors. She enjoyed making their friends feel welcome in their home and willingly provided transportation to any activity or event. Mom loved taking road trips with her friends and traveling to Ireland, Aruba and Florida but her favorite place to be was at the lake or York Beach. She enjoyed hearing David and Don tell stories and jokes, and loved their good-natured teasing about her squirrel and bird feeding. Even as her memory failed, Mom retained her sense of humor and ability to laugh at herself.

She is also survived by her grandchildren, Brendon J. (Barbara) McGahan of Concord; Stacy Denham (Gregory) Willenbucher of Madison, WI; Devin W. (Lisa) McGahan of Manchester; Elizabeth Barley (Andrew Piec) of Madison, WI; and Colin A. McGahan of Concord, and her eight great-grandchildren. She was pre-deceased by her brother, Forrest H. Flanders of Baltimore, MD. June’s grandchildren brought her tremendous joy, and she spent hours entertaining them with books, games, and piano playing (which she could still do at 98!). Family was the most important thing in her life, and birthdays and holidays were a highlight of times we shared. Memories of her will always remain in our hearts.

Following a private burial at Blossom Hill Cemetery, a memorial service will be held for family and friends Wednesday, August 26 at 11:30 am at South Congregational Church, 27 Pleasant Street in Concord followed by a luncheon reception at the Church.

The family respectfully requests no flowers. June would be honored if donations were made in her memory to the UNH Class of 1938 Scholarship Fund, Elliott Alumni Center, 9 Edgewood Road, Durham, NH 03824.

The Bennett Funeral Home of Concord is in charge of the arrangements.