Missionary Oblate Brother for 68 years
Brother Augustin (Gus) E. Côté, OMI, 94, died in Lawrence, MA, on March 15, 2024.
Brother Gus was born in 1930 to the late Joseph and Blanche (Lavoie) Côté in Lowell, MA. He spent his formative years as a member of Saint Jean Baptiste Parish, in Lowell, MA. Brother Gus began his studies in 1944 at the Oblate Junior Seminary in Bucksport, ME. In 1948, he began his Postulancy as an Oblate Brother at Our Lady of Grace Novitiate in Colebrook, NH. He professed his First Vows on February 17th, 1950, and made his Perpetual Profession as an Oblate Brother in 1956.
Brother Gus began his ministry at Our Lady Queen of Apostles Retreat House in Hudson, NH (1954-1967). He initially served as a support staff in maintenance and repairs and then began assisting the Director with retreat programs. In 1958 when family retreats were added, Bro. Gus was inspired to resurrect his childhood talents of magic illusions to help illustrate his faith with a newly developed children’s program. The presentation was introduced as “The Joyful Mysteries” and quickly became a special ministry which continued for many years (until 1997). Brother Gus continued to serve in many retreat centers throughout New England as a staff member; St. Paul Retreat Center, Augusta, ME (1967-1980), Oblate Retreat Center, Natick, MA (1980-1981), Ephpheta House, Manville, RI (1981-1989) and returned to the St. Paul Retreat Center from 1990-1995 serving as the Program Director. After 41 years of Retreat Ministry, Brother Gus was invited to serve in a new ministry and became the Director of Foreign Missions in Lowell, MA, a position he would hold from 1995-2014. In 1999, Brother Gus was encouraged to create and share his missionary correspondence in a special newsletter – “Gus News Notes” which he continued until 2014. In 2014, Brother Gus retired to Immaculate Heart of Mary Residence in Tewksbury, MA.
Brother Gus is survived by his siblings, Albert (Barbara) Côté of Hooksett, NH and Jean (Charlene) Côté of Townsend, MA as well as many nieces and nephews. Brother Gus was predeceased by his brothers Joseph-Paul Côte, Francois Côte, George Côté, and sisters Marie Côté and Dolores (Côté) Sasser. He will also be missed by the residents and staff at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Residence in Tewksbury, MA, and his Oblate brothers.
Friends and family are invited to Brother Côté’s Visitation at Immaculate Heart of Mary Chapel, 486 Chandler Street, Tewksbury, MA on Thursday, March 21, 2024, from 2:00-9:00pm. Evening Prayer will be at 7:30pm. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Friday, March 22, 2024, in the Chapel. Burial at Saint Joseph Cemetery, East Chelmsford, MA.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Oblate Residence, 486 Chandler Street, Tewksbury, MA 01876 in his memory. For directions or condolences, please visit www.mckennaouellette.com
