Merlene Cote

Merlene (Mickey) Halladay Coté, age 87, passed away July 8, 2026, surrounded by family who adored her. She was born March 31, 1939, in Provo, Utah, to Elmo Bert and Inez Christensen Halladay.

Mickey grew up in Provo, and as a teenager helped with the family business of running a chicken factory. She emphatically denied wanting to be a “Chicken Girl” and was mortified by the chicken gizzard smell of her hands when her boyfriend, Jimmy, would come to call. She started performing for the neighborhood kids by hanging a sheet over the clothesline and offering treats. The performer in her was ready to manifest early.

A natural tomboy, she was often found playing ball with the neighborhood boys. Mickey wanted to play on the boys’ Shortstop team in high school but had to content herself with becoming a cheerleader. Her dance and theater career had just begun when she graduated from Provo High School in 1957. She went on to excel at Brigham Young University where she performed in many productions and was active in Orchesis Dance Group. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Theater and History.

After College, Mickey became a teacher at West High School in Salt Lake City. She was often mistaken for a student; she looked so young! She continued performing with the University of Utah and the Pioneer Memorial Theater. She immensely enjoyed taking the lead in “Madea.” She understudied and eventually starred in “Auntie Mame.” After spending 2 summers in Lake Tahoe and performing in various shows, she was ready for the Los Angeles move. She enjoyed summer stock at Pasadena Playhouse and also collaborated with a Santa Barbara Productions Company. She did graduate work at UCLA where she studied Business and Communication.

In her 20’s she traveled several times to Europe, and had the opportunity of studying theater in London, where she lived in the Helen Graham House across from the British Museum.

Mickey married Martin John Coté on May 4, 1968 and they resided in a charming town called La Canada, in southern California. They welcomed 3 children-Amy Lynn in 1972, Laura Marie in 1974, and John M. in 1978. They moved to southern Oregon with Marty’s Chiropractic practice. Mickey loved the mountains and natural beauty of Oregon.

In 1979 she returned to Utah and bravely fought cancer with the help of several brilliant naturopath doctors-Stan Malstrom, Dr. Gerson, and Dr. Christopher. Her tenacity was rewarded by good health and a long life. Returning to society, she was active in the Rivergrove II Ward and befriended many members over the years.

With a renewed vigor, Mickey was enthusiastically welcomed at UVU where she taught for 30 years! English and Creative writing, then onto Business presentation and Marketing. She received the 2003-04 Faculty Excellence Award, and her teaching ratings were astonishing. She was extremely passionate about teaching and refused to retire until they pushed her out the door at age 80.

Mickey could have become a famous actress; and people often questioned her as to why this didn’t happen. She insists that raising her 3 children was the most important thing she could have done with her time. Enjoying her family, traveling to Paris with her brother, Reed Halladay, inspiring her students, and attending to her beloved garden- these were the important things of her life. She gained energy by meeting new people. She must have known half of Provo! Those who knew her would say she was feisty, brilliant, inquisitive, outgoing, and had a way of making everyone feel included. This extraordinary woman will not be forgotten, and is survived by her children Amy Lynn Coté (Oakland), and John Coté (Provo). Her legacy is one of inclusion and love.