Violet E. Cotter

Violet E. Cotter (Harwood) passed away on May 27, 2015 at the home of her son, David, in Montague.
Born on March 30, 1917, she was 98 years old. Her parents, Chris and Emma Jessie Harwood, raised 10 children at their home 402 East Lincoln St., East Tawas.
This was Violet's home until 1940 when she married Paul Cotter and moved to Mt. Pleasant. She was a graduate of East Tawas High School in 1934, and a graduate of Central State Teacher's College (now Central Michigan University), Class of 1938. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree and was awarded a Life Certificate in teaching. She taught in primary education schools in Ohio and New Jersey as well as in Michigan.
There were four children to raise, and her husband's career as district manager with Dowell, necessitated numerous moves: nine homes in different communities in three states. The Cotters retired back here in East Tawas in a home they built at 188 Baldwin Resort Rd. in 1979.
Violet is survived by her four children, Emily C. Richardson (William) of East Tawas, David T. Cotter (Lynn) of Montague, Patrick R. Cotter (Barbara) of Fripp Island, S.C. and Paula C. Hunt (Edward) of St Joseph. There are nine grandchildren, William Richardson, Katherine Bradford, Matthew Cotter, Elizabeth Cotter, Edward Cotter, Anna Grace Cotter, Andrew Buursma, Abby Ippel and Kelly Mathenia. There are 14 great grandchildren William Bradford, Helina Bradford; Joshua Cotter, Margaret Cotter, Catherine Cotter; Eleanor Balding, Abigail Balding; Jocelyn Ippel, Olivia Ippel, Theodore Ippel; Molly Buursma, Zoey Buursma; Kinley Mathenia; and Kathryn Cotter.
Violet was a loving parent, grandparent and great grandparent, and supportive and devoted to her family in countless ways. She was a loyal friend to many. Over the years she was the beloved Aunt Vi for 53 nieces and nephews. Everyone will miss her kindness, her generous spirit and her irrepressible sense of fun.