Bernice N. Cote, age 81, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 9, 2016, after a long battle with Parkinson's Disease. She was a longtime resident of North Reading, Mass., and most recently D’ Youville Senior Care Center in Lowell, Mass.

She was born Bernice Natalie LaPointe on December 23, 1934, in Salem, Mass., and lived there until moving with her husband, Gerard Cote and three sons to North Reading in 1963, where she resided for many years. Always precise in her work and organizational skills, she became recognized as an exceptional secretary. Bernice was an active member for the town of North Reading working for the school committee. She was also employed at American Mutual Insurance Company in Wakefield, Mass., for several years. Later she worked as the Office Manager for Robin Hood Camp in Sargentville, Maine. She loved her summers there, and easily made many friends. Robin Hood became her favorite place to be over her 29 years there and made a huge positive impact on her life. She enjoyed her family, and entertained her grandchildren, singing funny children’s songs to them. She loved to travel and had wonderful trips across America and Canada. She will be remembered for her loving charm, quick wit and generous humor. She was loved by all that had the pleasure to be part of her life.

Bernice leaves behind her three sons, Peter Cote of Dracut, Mass.; David Cote of Agawam, Mass.; and Christopher Cote of Somerville, Mass. She is also survived by "Grammy’s" grandsons, Alex Cote of Pelham, N.H., and John Paul Cote of Agawam, Mass.; granddaughters, Nicole (Cote) Hunt of Florida, Amanda Cote of Framingham, Mass., and Emmaline Cote of Boston, Mass.

She was one of five siblings, Denise Konos (deceased) of Danvers, Mass.; Henry LaPointe (deceased) of Amherst, N.H.; Arthur LaPointe of Stow, Mass.; and brother, Roger LaPointe of Danvers, Mass.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation, https://www.michaeljfox.org.

Calling hours will be held at Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading on Friday, October 21, from 4 to 6:30 p.m., followed by a memorial service starting at 6:30 p.m. www.croswellfuneralhome.com.