Mary Cotter

1927 - 2016

Mary Josephine Cotter

Pewamo

Age 89, passed away on Saturday, September 10, 2016 at Fairview in Grand Ledge. Mary was born on July 20, 1927 to William and Marie McCrackin of Carson City. They instilled in her a proud Irish heritage, strong faith, hard work ethic and a respect for education. She married Jim Cotter on June 19, 1948; he predeceased her on December 15, 1991. Mary and Jim were partners in life and in supporting young people in their Pewamo-Westphalia community. They taught religion classes and attended countless graduation parties, weddings and P-W sports events. Mary worked for Cotter's store, St. Joseph Parish, and Pewamo-Westphalia Schools for many years. One of her greatest joys in life was sharing her passion for education in teaching of reading to young children. She continued this even after her retirement by working as a volunteer in the classroom.

Mary was a gracious hostess to visitors in her home, a prayer warrior for her family and community an a fiercely loyal and loving mother to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Ann (Chris) Garlitz, Colleen (Neal) Hoffman and Jim (Kim) Cotter. Also surviving are her beloved grandchildren: Megan Hoffman (Ben Davies), Margo (Frano) Susnjar, Joel (Kelsey) Hoffman, and Jimmie Cotter. Her pride and joy are great-grandchildren Emerik, Iva, and Vera Susnjar and Camille Hoffman. She is also survived by her sisters Billie (Jack) Proctor, Sister Marie Kathleen McCrackin and several loving nieces and nephews, neighbors, and friends. She was also predeceased by her parents, her husband, her brother Joe (Irma) McCrackin, her sister Patricia (Herbert) Wood and in-laws, John (Rose) Cotter.

The family owes a deep debt of gratitude to Barb and Joe Frazier and the loving and caring staff at Fairview who cared for Mary like family for 8 months. Mary left all of us a legacy that we devote our time, energy, love, and commitment to those whose lives we are able to touch; and to never rest until we've given our best.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Charlon Mason at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, September 14, 2016 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Pewamo. Rite of Committal will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. The family will receive friends 6-8 p.m., Monday and 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., Tuesday at the St. Mary's Funeral Chapel, 210 N. Westphalia St., Westphalia. The rosaries will be prayed at 7 p.m., Monday and 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tuesday.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Fairview Adult Foster Home or the James R. Cotter National Honor Society in memory of Mary. Arrangements are by Lehman Funeral Homes. Online condolences may be made at www.lehmanfuneralhomes.com.