Nancy Jo Cottrell

Nancy Jo Cottrell, 71, of Albert Lea, passed away on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, at her home, with her family by her side. 

Born in Waseca, MN, on December 24, 1952, she was a daughter of the late Gerald “Bud” and Viva (Huxford) Possin. Nancy grew up on the family farm. As the oldest, Nancy took care of her younger siblings while Mom and Dad were farming. 

Nancy's life was one of compassion and joy. After graduating from New Richland High School in 1971, she pursued her passion for beauty and became a skilled hairdresser, dedicating over five decades to her craft. Most of those years were spent at Artistic Hair Designers, in Albert Lea. Her gentle touch, great listening skills, and warm nature endeared her to countless clients, leaving a lasting impact on all who knew her.

Family was at the center of Nancy's world. On May 26, 1984, Nancy married Michael Cottrell, at LeSueur River Lutheran Church in New Richland. Together they built a life filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. Her children, Marisa and Dylan, were her pride and joy, and she approached motherhood with unwavering devotion and endless love. 

Nancy enjoyed the simple pleasures of life. She delighted in tending to her garden and cheering for her beloved teams the Minnesota Vikings and Minnesota Twins. 

A memorial service will be held at 2:00PM on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, at Bonnerup Funeral & Cremation Service, with a visitation beginning at 12:00PM. 

Those left to cherish Nancy’s memory include, her husband of 40 years, Michael “Mike” Cottrell; children, Marisa and Dylan (Kaitlynn) Cottrell; beloved “grand-pups”, Bella, Eadoin, and Reign; sisters, Brenda Ziegler and Susan Luschen (Denny Vick); and a brother, Dennis Possin; nieces and nephews, Briana, Alyssa, Jordan and Jacob (Jodi) Ziegler; and a great-nephew, Maddox.

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, Gerald and Viva Possin; a sister, Sandra Possin; two brothers, Bradley and Craig Possin; and a brother-in-law, Kordell Ziegler.