Laura Marie Coté, age 50, passed away on August 12, 2025, in Provo Utah, surrounded by loving family. She was born September 23, 1974 in Medford, Oregon, to Martin J. Coté and Merlene Halladay Coté.

Our lovely Laura was such a positive and vibrant girl who accomplished a great deal in spite of her health difficulties. Growing up, Laura loved horses, dogs, and exploring the mountains. She was very active at Provo High School, enjoying the Ski Team, Dance, and Art. She graduated in 1992.

After high school Laura went on a life changing trip to Europe with Mom. For a month they explored countries like England, France, and Holland. It was an eye-opening experience for her. In 1994 she had the opportunity of traveling to Trapani, Sicily, for 4 months to study genealogy and learn about our Sicilian ancestors. Her Italian language skills came quickly and she had an amazing experience that became her favorite of a lifetime.

At 19 years of age Laura was diagnosed with a very rare disease called LAMS. Only 200 women in the US shared this diagnosis. It caused the lungs to deflate among other difficulties. It was clear she would need a lung transplant in the near future.

Laura's determination and strength prevailed, and she served an LDS Church Mission in 1995 in Tallahassee, Florida, where she adored the people and humidity of Florida. After her mission she returned to Brigham Young University and received her degree in Family, Marriage, and Human Development.

Laura was accepted into the Master's Program at the University of Las Vegas and moved to Nevada in 2000. By 2002 she had received her Masters in Social Work.

In 2005 Laura was put on the UCLA waiting list for a lung transplant. She was on oxygen and awaited patiently a donor. On September 13, 2005 she was re-born after receiving a double-lung transplant. It was a real success, and enabled Laura to live 20 years longer.

Laura enjoyed singing and piano, and had her own music studio with about 50 students studying voice and piano lessons. Later she worked full-time as a social worker. She truly thrived by helping others.

She loved living in the desert of Las Vegas which was easier for her lung condition. The beautiful skies, the Creosote plants, and the wild horses near her home were some of her favorite things. Her friendships cultivated over the years were a huge source of happiness and strength. Her strength of character is revealed by such an abundance of amazing friends.

Laura is survived by her Mother: Merlene (Mickey) Coté of Provo; Father: Martin J. Coté of Thatcher, AZ; Amy Coté: (Sister) of Oakland, CA; and John Coté (Brother) of Provo.

We celebrated Laura's beautiful life with a small family memorial. We plan for a headstone of remembrance to be dedicated to her in the Salem City Cemetery.