Josephine COTTER

1914 - 2016

News Death Notice

COTTER, Josephine "Jo" Of Dayton, Ohio and formerly of Willoughby, Ohio, went home to her Savior on Tuesday, July 26th in Hospice care at Brookdale Muirfield Assisted Living Facility in Dublin, Ohio. Jo was born on December 26, 1914 in Willoughby, Ohio to the late Joseph and Rose (Sanzobrino) Mele. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John, by her parents and her five brothers (Louis, Carl, Joseph, Albert, and Thomas) and her two sisters (Mary and Elizabeth). She was a pupil at Immaculate Conception elementary school and graduated from Villa Angela High School and then was employed for a few years at the Cleveland Clinic as an aide. She later continued her education at Saint Vincent Charity Hospital School of Nursing where she became a Registered Nurse in 1940. She joined the Army during World War II where she rose to the rank of Captain in the Army Nurse Corp and served as Acting Chief Nurse of the 1st Platoon of the 4th Field Hospital from 1942 to 1945. While serving in the European Theatre and the Mediterranean, African and Middle East Theatres, she was awarded the Bronze Star. She met the love of her life, John Cotter, during this time as he was an X-ray technician in the same medical unit. They married on July 13, 1946 and enjoyed a modest life, but one filled with immense love and respect for each other until John's passing on May 28, 1990. Like so many other people she attended to in her lifetime, she held his hand as he took his last breath. She is survived by her two sons, Jay Cotter (Norma) of Round Hill, VA; and Tom Cotter (Betty) of Dublin, OH; four grandchildren who she adored, Shannon Cotter of Kennebunkport, ME; Meghan Cotter of Round Hill, VA; Hayley Cotter and Shane Cotter of Dublin, OH; a number of beloved nieces and nephews along with many close and cherished friends. A loving wife and mother who was devoted to her family and friends, Jo dedicated her life to helping others and loving everyone. She was literally an "angel on earth". Her volunteerism was extraordinary with a number of organizations that is too lengthy to mention. Those who she touched throughout her life revered and admired her and they will forever be inspired by her faith, unselfishness, integrity, curiosity, humility, thoughtfulness, independence, generosity and kindness. She was a charter member of Assumption parish and served in many capacities at that church for 45 years. She continued the devout practice of her Catholic faith at Our Lady of Grace Parish for an additional 18 years until her move to the Columbus area in 2013 for health reasons at the age of 98. Jo's family wishes to thank the doctors, nurses, aides, and staff at Brookdale Muirfield in Dublin and everyone associated with St. Joseph's Hospice in Columbus, two organizations who employ some of the most incredible people they have ever had the pleasure of knowing. Additionally, for the three years she spent in the Dublin area, they are in deep gratitude to the Priests, Deacons, Eucharistic Ministers and the entire staff at St. Brigid of Kildare for perpetuating her exposure to the Catholic faith that was such a huge part of her life. Fr. Del Staigers will be the Celebrant at a Memorial Mass to be held at Our Lady of Mercy Church in Dayton on Saturday, September 10th. The service will begin promptly with Words of Remembrance by certain family members at 9:30AM. Mass will follow at 10:00AM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to any of these organizations: St. Vincent DePaul, 124 W. Apple St., Dayton, OH 45402; Salesian Missions, 2 Lefevre Lane, New Rochelle, NY 10801 or St. Joseph's Hospice, 505 South High St., Suite 100, Columbus, OH 43215