In the early hours of April 23rd, 2022, Samantha Anne Cote passed away peacefully after an unexpected complication with Type I diabetes. She was surrounded by her loving parents and sister at St. Cloud Hospital in St. Cloud, Minnesota. She was 35 years old. Samantha’s tragic and early passing has shocked and devastated her family, friends, and horse community deeply.

Samantha was born December 28th, 1986 to Delia and Marc Cote in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. As a toddler, she was diagnosed with Type I diabetes. She nearly lost her life at 17 ½ months old as the medical teams worked feverishly to determine her diagnosis and care—the rest of Samantha’s life from that moment has been God’s miracle.

At the age of 5 months, she moved to Concord, CA with her family and eventually Minnesota at the age of 6. Samantha graduated from Buffalo High School in Buffalo, MN in 2005 and went to University at Concordia College and Montana State University in Bozeman, Montana. Samantha lived in Bozeman until returning to Minnesota in 2016.

Those who were fortunate enough to know Samantha knew that she lived a bountiful life despite her short 35 years on earth. She embodied a passionate intensity in all areas of life whether it was her work, her play, her love for her family and close friends, or her love for animals. Samantha’s wisdom was akin to that of someone who had spent many decades on earth, and those around her looked up to her for advice and counsel in some of life’s most challenging moments where she was a source of comfort, strength and wisdom.

Two of Samantha’s most epitomizing character traits were perseverance and endurance –despite her diagnosis of type I diabetes, Samantha’s life became a daily miracle as she took on the responsibility of self-care much earlier than anyone should have to as a young child, monitoring and managing her blood sugar. She did it with grace and strength, fighting for things that most people take for granted. Type I diabetes could have been a barrier to her passions, but she never allowed it to be. In fact, her tenacious and ever-curious spirit was fueled by her determination to win against the disease she did not choose to have but endured so gracefully.

Samantha grew up thinking she wanted to be a marine biologist but this career ambition was quickly thwarted when she discovered her passion for horses. She jumped on a horse for the first time in 1994 at Summer Run Arena and it was clear to all that she was a natural born rider, completely enamored. The rest of her life would be marked by a natural prowess in barrel racing, training and medical care for horses—she will forever be a cornerstone of the horse community.

In addition to horses, Samantha was a friend of all animals – she took in animals that would have otherwise been left behind and gave them unconditional love and care. She had a knack for securing the trust and companionship of animals that would trust few other humans.

Samantha cherished all of God’s gifts in nature, not just animals. She was the happiest in the mountains and on beaches and loved nothing more than hiking, skiing, riding horses, exploring, and attempting fly fishing. She was a green thumb with a passion for both indoor and outdoor gardening.

A foodie at heart, Samantha didn’t let diabetes get in her way of exploring and loving the culinary arts. She lived to eat vs. eating to live. She loved trying new things and the adventure that could come from exploring new cuisine. She had a refined and sophisticated palate along with a deep appreciation for cheese curds.

Samantha was selfless and deeply caring. She touched lives of so many. She created family and community wherever she went – throughout her life, she moved frequently and was never alone due to her innate ability to attract close friends. People gravitated to Samantha due to her selfless grace, kindness and compassion which created a strong foundation of friendship. She thrived on taking care of and supporting the people around her.

Samantha was a relentlessly hard worker, recently holding positions at ATS, Starbucks, and Costco where she worked in several parts of the organization and most recently was the bakery manager. Samantha worked at several ranches across Montana and Minnesota and cared for horses in her spare time. Samantha also spent a significant amount of time at Sola Café in Bozeman, Montana where she was most recently a manager.

She is survived by her Mother, Delia Alicia Cote; Father, Marc Allen Cote; Stepmother, Dorie Ann Remer-Cote; sister, Aimee Louise Cote (Kevin); Grandparents, Maurice and Doreen Cote; Auntie, Olga Sorensen; Cats, Remington “Remy” and Milo, and countless close friends and extended family.

She is preceded in death by Virginia Sorensen “Nana”, Uncle Scott Cote, Chevy “Kitty”, Max (dog), Rumor (Horse) and Hawk (Horse).