Joan Eloise Cottrell

Joan Eloise Cottrell obituary, Vanderbilt, MI

Joan Eloise Cottrell

Joan Cottrell Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Nelsons Cremation & Funeral Services - Gaylord on Sep. 28, 2025.

Publish in a newspaper

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Joan Eloise Cottrell, who departed this life on September 26, 2025, in Gaylord, MI.

Joan was born on July 10, 1933, to her loving parents Archie and Ruth Patterson in Alba, MI. Joan would go on to receive her GED and later find a career she loved, Joan worked very hard for 26 years as a Sales Representative for Avon. In Joan's' spare time she loved to craft as well as going to thrift stores.

Joan was married to Laurence R. Cottrell, together Joan and Laurence had 2 wonderful children, Robert (Nancy) Cottrell and Sandra Kay Bogue. She found much joy in being a grandmother to her beloved 5 grandchildren and to her many great-grandchildren. Joan was also a loving sister to Thomas John Patterson and James Arthur Patterson. Joan was preceded in death by her husband Laurence, parents Archie and Ruth as well as her siblings Robert, Carlton, and Patricia.

A visitation for Joan will be held at Vanderbilt Community Church on Saturday October 4, 2025 from 10am to 11am with funeral services starting at 11am. Officiating the funeral service will be Pastor Bifoss.

In lieu of flowers the family has requested for donations to be made to Vanderbilt Community Church.

Please share your stories and memories of Joan at the "Share a Memory" section. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Nelsons Funeral Home, PO Box 1548, Gaylord, MI 49734. www.CareByNelsons.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

How to support Joan's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Joan Cottrell's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign Joan Cottrell's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?