Nancy Cotter

1939 - 2024

Nancy Cotter
Born: February 17, 1939
Died: November 17, 2024
Nancy Cotter, age 85, died November 17, 2024 at St. Clare Hospital in Princeton. Nancy was born to Francis (Bud) and Madeline Nordstrom on February 17, 1939, in Tiskilwa. Nancy was proud of her role as a farmer's daughter, then a farmer's wife. She married her first love, Bernard Cotter, in 1956. They quickly built a life together focused on family, church, work and community. Bernie and Nancy began tenant farming in Tiskilwa in 1971 and enjoyed a true partnership in both work and marriage. She also loved being part of the larger Cotter family, having rich relationships with in-laws, nieces and nephews.
Nancy volunteered with the Girl Scouts, St. Mary's Catholic Church, Bureau County Fair, Princeton Elks Club, Bureau County Pork Producers and The Closet in Princeton. In recent years, she sewed scores of kitchen potholders to be sold at The Closet.
Nancy lost her husband Bernie in 1989, which began her work outside the home. She enjoyed her jobs at the Indian Valley Inn, Tiskilwa Golf Course, Four Seasons Dress Shop, and most especially Hornbaker's Garden Center.
Nancy was a generous hostess, putting together family reunions and annual pig roasts. She was a wonderful cook and baker, baking thousands of loaves of Swedish Rye Bread over the years. She was an extraordinary seamstress and avid gardener. But her favorite title was "The Laundry Queen," from her beginnings with a wringer-washer and clothesline to helping her kids by getting their laundry all caught up during her visits. Her visits to the grandchildren were a highlight of her life and theirs.
Nancy was preceded in death by Bernie, their son David, and her brother Sheldon Nordstrom. She is survived by her daughters Deborah (Win) Wehrli, Julie (Dan) Sims, Benita (George) Klasen, and son Mark Cotter, eight grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Other loved family members include her sister Patricia (David) Rosenquist, sister-in-law Irene Nordstrom and brother-in-law and companion Jerry Friel.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, December 14 from 1-4 pm at 140East in Tiskilwa. Interment is private. Memorial contributions may be made to the Tiskilwa Public Library.