Barbara Ann (Zilinskas) Cote, age 80, beloved wife of Henry Cote, peacefully passed away on the morning of December 5, 2023, at Harbor Chase in South Windsor, CT, after a long struggle with Alzheimer's. Born on March 17, 1943, in Manchester, CT to Anthony and Connie Zilinskas, she attended local schools, graduating from Manchester High School in 1961. She then attended and earned her degree from Bay Path College. Soon after, with a friend both seeking a new adventure, she moved to San Francisco where they fit into the lifestyle and enjoyed the scenic beauty of the city. She was there for eight years, working and making many new and life-long friends. 

Returning to Manchester in 1973, she met Henry, her husband-to-be, marrying in 1975. They settled in South Windsor where their son Kevin was born and raised. Barbara (Bobbie) was active in the school PTO, the Down-to-Earth Garden Club and the local Young Women's Club. Bobbie also volunteered in various roles at Wood Memorial Library and Museum. She found great joy in decorating, while she and Henry collected the works of many local and regional artists. She also enjoyed landscape gardening with Henry and was honored to participate in the Garden Tour on three different occasions. They, for periods of times, had vacation homes in Vermont and Martha's Vineyard where they enjoyed the change of pace and new friendships.

Her love of animals and especially cats was legendary, while she was supportive of many children's causes. There was never a trip to a grocery store that didn't include items for the food bank or local cat shelter. Bobbie's working career included several retail and secretarial positions, the last for 10 years retiring from a local law firm. She struggled with the devastating effects of Alzheimer's for 10 years, and she is now at rest. 

Besides Henry and her son Kevin (Elizabeth), she is survived by her brother Richard (Jane), grandchildren Logan, Tatum, Harper and twins Lennon and Nash, niece Christie Baldrate, M.D. and nephew Matthew Zilinskas, brother-in-law Mark Cote (Lee) and sister-in-law Gretel Cote. Funeral arrangements are by Samsel & Carmon of South Windsor. Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family will be appreciative of memorial donations in her name made to the Alzheimer's Association, CT Chapter, 200 Executive Blvd., Suite 4B, Southington, CT 06489. The family extends a special thank you to her home health care aide Brenda and all the many supportive and loving caregivers at Harbor Chase. 

Please visit www.carmonfuneralhome.com for online condolences.

Published by Hartford Courant on Dec. 14, 2023.