Carolyn (Bunny) Elizabeth Cote

April 17, 1942 - July 11, 2022

Carolyn (Bunny) Elizabeth Cote, 80, a resident of Cape Coral, FL since 2004, formerly of Coral Gables, FL, passed away July 11, 2022 in Cape Coral, Florida. She was born April 17, 1942 in Trenton, NJ and her family moved to Coral Gables, FL when she was three weeks of age. She was preceded in death by her parents, Everett and Anna Bunting. Bunny was of the Baptist faith. She is survived by her beloved husband of 12 years, Richard Cote of Cape Coral; as well as her son, Neal Cooke of Cape Coral.

Bunny graduated from Coral Gables High School and then went to work for the University Of Miami in Coral Gables at the age of 17. She worked there for 42 years until retiring in 2002. She was the Administration Assistant for two consecutive presidents of the university. She loved the university and was dedicated to her work. Bunny wrapped up her career at the University of Miami in her dream job in the Athletics Department where she got to hob nob with famous coaches and players alike. She would work tirelessly on any project that would further the interest of the university. With her hard work, the university became the first private school in Florida to be given the privileged of having a school license plate. In 1991 Bunny was tapped and initiated into the Iron Arrow Honor Society, the highest honor one can achieve at the university.

Bunny will always be remembered, not by her achievements in her career, but for her sparkling and vivacious personality and her love for her family and all her many friends. She treasured them all. She was especially devoted to her mother and never failed to contact her and comfort her every day even as they both reached the end of their days. Bunny also never failed to keep in touch with friends. Even those from elementary school. She kept every card they sent her and many times would display them when they would visit her. She rejoiced with her friends. She wept with her friends. She had genuine compassion for the happiness or sadness of others and they knew it was real and heart felt. She will be dearly missed by all that knew and loved her.

No formal services are planned at this time.

Carolyn Elizabeth Cote are suggested to The American Cancer Society, 4575 Via Royale, # 110, Fort Myers, FL 33919 or the Cape Coral Animal Shelter, 325 SW 2nd Ave., Cape Coral, FL 33991.

Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cape Coral, is entrusted with final care.

Guestbook

  1. Cindy Dullivan Aug 13, 2022 at 2:56 pm

    Beautifully said Richard.
    Bunny was a very special Lady & made a major impact to all of us that knew & loved her. Location differences did not matter in our 60+ yrs FRIENDSHIP……..we always remained connected in our hearts.
    GOD BLESS YOU MY FRIEND.
    SEE YOU ON THE OTHER SIDE
    🙏♥️🙏

    GO CANES!

  2. Jim Rosasco Aug 13, 2022 at 5:03 pm

    Peaches and I would joke that we had been sleeping together for over 75 years! The reason being that in pre-kindergarden we would sleep next to each other on our towels at nap time. I drove Skipper, her first husband, and her to Georgia when they eloped to get married. I flew to Miami to comfort her when her second husband passed away unexpectedly. I gave her away when she married Richard. I know she found true happiness when they were married. I will miss her dearly. Rest in peace Peaches.

  3. Marilyn Host Aug 13, 2022 at 9:33 pm

    Richard Cote has captured the true essence of his wife, Carolyn, as he called her. When you were with “Bunny” you felt loved. She was so much fun to be with as she drew you in with her wonderful smile. You simply could not feel negative around her. She brought so many of her friends together and made everyone feel so special to her. Even though she had such coveted jobs at UM; we who worked with her never felt that she was “above us” no matter how unimportant our job was. In connection with her Mother; I recently wrote to her that she was the best daughter ever. She was probably the best wife ever to her Richard. You could tell they loved each other with all their hearts. I can only hope that Richard will find solace and peace knowing that all of her suffering from illness are over. I know I feel comfort in believing that she is whole and well. Rejoice in your many, many years of being together; Richard, and feel her love surrounding you at all times. You are blessed to call her Your Wife. Thank you Bunny, for making me feel special by being called your friend. In much love, Marilyn

  4. Peter Agdamag Aug 14, 2022 at 11:23 pm

    A most wonderful and beautiful woman and friend. Knew her since high school and always appreciated her warm friendship and deeply caring ways. Though we were apart many years several times, we always remained close friends. Miss her dearly.. All my love to Richard, Neal, and her remaining family and friends.
    Peter

  5. Jean Staton Aug 16, 2022 at 5:38 pm

    Beautiful Bunny may you rest in peace. Your caring heart and fun loving spirit goes above and beyond. I am blessed to have had you in my life. The many moments we shared will never be forgotten. Oh how I miss you everyday. I love you forever and always-my other Mother—-GO CANES!!!
    Richard you did great-You know I will be looking after you making sure you are OK. That’s what Bunny wants me to do. I love you too!!
    Neal you are a good friend, I am always here for you.
    My Deepest Sympathy

  6. Denise Aug 16, 2022 at 5:45 pm

    I am so sorry for your loss Richard. Bunny was the best. I’m so blessed that she came into my life.

  7. Sandy, Blaine and Kylissa Himes Aug 17, 2022 at 4:14 pm

    Our hearts grieve with you Richard, and all who knew Bunny. Bunny was truly 1 in a million! We were blessed to have crossed paths with her as we moved to Cape Coral. That day at the Newcomers meeting at the Cape Coral Yacht Club was life changing. From the very start Bunny was fun-loving, full of life and great ideas. She made you feel like a life long friend and an important part of her life. She loved our little granddaughter, Kylissa and did some child care for us when needed. Kylissa LOVED Miss Bunny😊! Kylissa is now 21 and in the last email I got from Bunny she was asking how Kylissa was doing! We moved back to Ohio in 2010 and Bunny was always the coordinator to get the June Bugs and the Calendar Girls together when Kylissa and I would come back to the Cape for a visit. She was dearly loved and will be deeply missed by all.

  8. Jeanette Pacora Aug 17, 2022 at 9:19 pm

    Bunny first came into my life when I was seven years old when she was dating my dad, and her kindness and cheerfulness made me instantly love her. Throughout my childhood she was a wonderful part of my life. Bunny, my dad and I would do so many things together – play games, boating, fishing, go to parades, watch football games (I can still hear her say “Go Canes!” and sing the Miami Dolphin song), go out to dinner (especially Tony Roma’s) where she would order me virgin Shirley Temples. She was so much fun and made everyone around her feel loved. She even helped me get my first job at the University of Miami.

    When I was older, Bunny and my dad started dating again after many years apart and soon after married. Then, when my daughter Kimberly was around seven, she was also blessed to have Bunny in her life. Kimberly has many fond memories of her also. We both loved her so very much. Bunny will always be in my heart, and I will deeply miss her.

  9. Richard Cote Aug 18, 2022 at 12:08 pm

    Bunny was a wonderful wife and gave me all the love she had and I to her. She was my friend, my love and my companion forever. I am very blessed to have been her husband. She will never be forgotten.

    My deepest heart felt thanks to all of her friends for your love for her and your concern for me. I understand how difficult it is for all of us to lose such a dear sweet caring friend.

  10. Bonnie Brown Aug 18, 2022 at 12:12 pm

    I first met “Bunny” when we were teenagers in Miami, Then re-connected when I moved to Cape Coral in 1997. I saw two ladies shopping at the Goodwill store and recognized her voice! So I went over to see if it was really her! It was Bunny and her mother, Ann! Our friendship began all over again. We were ‘Aries’ sisters, born on April 17th, and enjoyed celebrating our birthdays together with our friends. My dear, sweet Bunny you were my shining light and such a wonderful friend!
    You brought such love and joy to all who knew you, and will live within our hearts forever! Until we meet again Go Canes!
    My deepest sympathy to you Richard, and Neal, Please know I’m here for you also!
    And Richard your Obituary honors all that Bunny represents! God bless you and be with you!

  11. Marcelina Alfonso De la Iglesia Aug 19, 2022 at 3:33 pm

    When meeting this little and sweet Bunny I knew, at first sight ,we could be good friends. It was easy to admire and respect her but never thought she could mean so much to me. Always guiding me, teaching me, helping me how to insert myself in this beautiful country. I called her my youngest sister and she really was. I thanks her for allowing me be part of her especial family, for sharing with me the love of her Mummy who will be in my heart forever. I trust in God and I’m sure I will see them two again, someday, somewhere, meanwhile it hurts “MI AMIGA”, Thank you Sweetheart, Thank you Bunny, I love you forever!!!!

  12. Esther Hagan Aug 19, 2022 at 6:20 pm

    I met Bunny when she was moving to Cape Coral. Was a realtor at the time and sold her a home. We became great friends, she was even at the hospital when my 1st grandson was born he loved her also. I have been so blessed to be friends with her and Richard as well as her beautiful mom.
    Rest in peace my treasured friend. 🙏🙏💖💖😢

  13. Libby Mahaffey Aug 20, 2022 at 1:41 pm

    Bunny, my dearest friend, I will miss you til my last breath. We shared so many good times over many years, but one memory that will always stay with me is when you pranced down the aisle to marry Richard in a crimson red dress!! All of the comments on this page are genuinely touching and capture the very essence of the special lady that you were. Richard and Neal, my heart goes out to the both of you on your loss.

  14. Rick Artman Aug 22, 2022 at 10:47 am

    Richard and Neal:

    Thank you for the message informing many of us of Bunny’s passing. I wish to extend my condolences to you and your family.

    I was a student and administrator at the University of Miami from 1966-1982. Two administrative positions provided many opportunities to work with Bunny. I worked in student affairs with Dr. Bill Butler, Raymonde Bilger, and Nancy Floyd Ryan, among others. For several years I was the coordinator and note taker for the monthly presidential breakfasts, which President Stanford hosted for student leaders and various student groups. I also served as Ombudsman. In that role I was in and out of the president’s office frequently. Bunny would call me about a student who wanted to see the president and I would take him/her off her hands and resolve the grievance or problem. Over the years she and I developed a wonderful, mutually supportive relationship. I could count on her for access to President Stanford when it was absolutely necessary, and she could depend on me to be the go-to person to help students who were in need.

    Bunny’s attitude was always positive and joyful. She cared deeply about maintaining the dignity of the Office of the President while ensuring a welcoming atmosphere for all visitors. Even when we were faced with some delicate or awkward situations, we maintained our smiles and trust in each other. When I left the University of Miami, I served as a vice president for student affairs at a liberal arts university in Nebraska, and then was privileged to serve as a president of two Catholic universities in the Midwest over two decades. Bunny served as the model for the demeanor and competence I wanted for my executive secretaries and administrative assistants in the Office of the President… President Stanford was my role model for a student-centered president.

    Funny, I never knew her given name was Carolyn 😊. I pray that you can celebrate her life and legacy, even as you grieve.

    With deep sympathy and respect,

    Rick Artman
    President Emeritus, Viterbo University

  15. Joyce Mavromatis Aug 22, 2022 at 6:38 pm

    Bunny and I met while working at the University of Miami back in the early 70’s, which was the result of the “Beginning of a Beautiful Friendship” that has lasted almost 50 years! Her unwavering dedication and loyalty to UM, as well as her Family, and countless friends, was a lifetime Act of Pure Love!
    Bunny exemplified the meaning of “True Friendship” and knew how to live her life to the fullest! I considered her to be my Best Friend and the Sister I never had! I cherish our friendship and believe it is the greatest gift I could receive in life!
    A bright, shining Light has gone out with the passing of our Beautiful Bunny, but her essence remains in the hearts and wonderful memories of all who knew and loved her! She touched the lives of so many with her singular enthusiasm for life, her positive force of energy towards all things challenging, but most of all, her “genuinely” caring heart for all who were in need of encouragement and empathy! She had the uncanny ability to pull people out of the Dark and into the “Light!”
    My deepest condolences to Richard, her beloved husband, and Neal, her loving son!
    Rest in Peace Sweet Bunny! GO CANES!
    All my Love,
    Joyce

  16. Lisa Gelfo Calvo Sep 2, 2022 at 7:39 pm

    My mother, Paulette Gelfo, met Bunny at UM in the early 70’s and became life long friends. There was a year that my mom and I spent at Bunny’s home with her and Neal. Recently, I was reminiscing about that year with my teenage daughter. I was remembering that time as one of the best years of my childhood because I told my daughter, “The home was just filled with life, laughter, and activity!” So many memories of how Bunny was so much fun and truly did bring joy to everyone. That same year Bunny invited my mom and I to Thanksgiving dinner at her moms house. We went with Neal and I was shy but when we arrived and I heard that Neal’s grandad was nicknamed Pop-Pop, it just felt like family. Bunny was always a real friend to my mom. When my mom passed on Bunny offered me great support and for that I am grateful. She will forever hold a special place in my heart.
    Dear Richard and Neal, my deepest condolences and prayers go out to you and your family.

    Love you Bunny until we all meet again.

  17. Dot Thon Sep 6, 2022 at 10:03 pm

    I met Bunny in March 2009 when I moved to Surfside in Cape Coral. We were neighbors. Bunny was the sweetest person. She truly took after her lovely mother.

    Richard, what a lovely message.
    My heart truly aches for you & Neal. I know how much you both loved her..
    Bunny is no longer suffering and know that she is watching over you.

  18. Susan Bellomy Sep 7, 2022 at 9:33 am

    I have known Carolyn since 3rd grade. We were also neighbors. We were always together even when she would be at her grandparents’ home that she eventually moved into. After reading all the loving comments, I know Carolyn was loved and will be missed. Many have written that they may not have known her first name, I learned that she was called Bunny through my correspondence with her. I still called her Carolyn. She is not suffering anymore. She is with her parents having a good time reminiscing. I will miss her deeply. My condolences and prayers to Richard and Neal.

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