OLD TOWN – Juanita Mary (Cote) Sapiel, 86, went to be with the Lord May 24, 2008, with her family by her side. Juanita was born Sept. 23, 1921, in Old Town, the daughter of Felix and Victoria (Violette) Cote. She was raised by her father, Felix and his wife, Eldora (Violette) Cote, after her mother’s death, when she was only six months old. Juanita married Joseph Kenneth Sapiel, Aug. 12, 1942, and together they raised 11 children. For the past two years, Juanita resided with her daughter and caregiver, Vicki and her husband, Scott, in West Old Town. She enjoyed cooking, crocheting, bingo and many trips to the casinos. She was also very fond of all her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and was loved by all that knew her. Juanita was predeceased by her parents, her husband; four brothers, Leon Cote, Woodrow Cote, Felix T. Cote and Robert Cote; one grandson, Shawn Sapiel; and one great-grandson, Ryan Sapiel. Juanita will be sadly missed and is survived by her children, Joseph Sapiel III, Leon Sapiel, Dwight Sapiel and his significant other, Nancy, Wayne Sapiel and his wife, Sue, Vickie Bayles and her husband, Scott, Mike Sapiel, Debbie Hallett and her husband, Randy, Everett Sapiel and his significant other, Christine, Richard Sapiel and his wife, Tammy, Jean Collins and her husband, Haley, and James Sapiel. She is also survived by her brothers, Freeman Cote, Richard Cote and his wife, Rose, Rudolph Cote and his wife, Carleen, and Franklin Cote; sisters, Vivian Willette and her significant other, Hoopie, Evelyn Bradman and her husband, Ron, Velma Girourd and her husband, Reg-gie; as well as one sister-in-law, Rita Sayers, who resides in California. Juanita “Nana,” is survived by her 31 grandchildren and 36 great-grandchildren. She will be missed by former daughters-in-law, Bernice, Sheila, Donna, Devon, Alyson and Beth; and former sons-in-law, Duane, Donald and Larry. Juanita will be sadly missed and remembered by all her good friends especially Gloria and Margie. The family thanks the staff at Eastern Maine Medical Center for her care, especially Dr. Van Kirk and the nurses for their compassion; Orono Medical Center and Dr. Alborg and Dr. Petty; Eastern Maine Agency on Aging; Homecare of Maine; Elder Independence of Maine; St. Joseph Homecare; Northeast Eye Center, Dr. Douglass; Eastern Maine Eye Associates, Dr. Garth Wilbanks and Dr. Brewer. The family also thanks Juanita’s caregivers, Cathy, Lori, Alice and Bernice. Services will be held at a later date that is convenient to the family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the Alzheimer’s Association-Maine Chapter, 163 Lancaster, Portland, ME 04101. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Birmingham Funeral Home, 438 Main St., Old Town.
JUANITA MARY (COTE) SAPIEL
