Priscilla Cotton

PRISCILLA S. COTTON, 88 ROCKFORD - Priscilla S. Cotton, 88, of Rockford went to be with her Lord at 8 p.m. Saturday, April 7, 2012, in SwedishAmerican Hospital. Born Sept. 19, 1923, in Rockford; the daughter of Frank H. and Alma (Reimers) Peterson. Graduate of the first class of East High School in 1941, and Swedish American Hospital School of Nursing in 1944, where she specialized in OB/GYN. She worked in many other areas of nursing as well, including a pediatric affiliation at Michael Reese Hospital in Chicago. She married George P. Spengler April 13, 1944, then later married John Cotton on March 29, 1980, in Rockford, and was a longtime, active member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church. Priscilla loved playing the piano and the organ, worked as a music therapist with handicapped children, played the piano in several nursing homes, and was a published composer by David C. Cook Publishing Co., of music program songs and visuals for the preschool market. She was a member of Classic Chorale and the Good Time Singers, and was the first display chairman at Rockford's Midway Village Museum. She also worked as a performing Christian chalk artist and puppeteer for schools and churches for 30 years, and became an accomplished painter in acrylics and oils. Priscilla enjoyed playing golf and tennis, swimming, traveling, and sharing children's sermons. Survived by husband, John A. Cotton; children, G. David (Luanne) Spengler and Barbara A. Friday; grandsons, G. Arthur King-Spengler, Stephen Thomas King, Jason (Anna) Friday and Joshua (Angie) Friday; and great-grandchildren, Ryan P. King, Anderson, Brody and Brielle Friday. Priscilla was very fond of her nephews, but she was particularly close to her Rockford family, Bradley and Mary Sue Hoffmann and their children, Melodee (Andy) Griffin, Michele (Jeff) Myers, and Melissa (Brannon) Howse; and grandchildren, Ryan, Hannah, Sarah, Faith, Bradley, Luke, Joy, Jenna, Landon, Libby, and Logan. Survived also by nephews, Bruce (Beverly) Hoffman, Daniel (Jeannie) Johnson, and Dr. Douglas (Phyllis) Johnson; and lifelong best friends, Harriet Goldy and Bev Franzen. Predeceased by sisters, Ruth (Gunnard) Hoffman and Geraldine (Friden) Johnson; and very dear friends, Harriett Westerman and Ethel Best. The family wishes to thank SwedishAmerican Hospital for their wonderful care, and Our Savior's Lutheran Church for their loving support during her last illness. Memorial service to celebrate Priscilla's life at 11 a.m. Friday, April 13, in Our Savior's Lutheran Church, 3300 Rural St., with visitation from 10 to 10:45 a.m.; Vicar Ryan Anderson will officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Our Savior's Lutheran Church; Lutheran Social Services, 321 W. State St., no. 500, Rockford, IL 61101; or to Rockford Rescue Mission, P.O. Box 1948, Rockford, IL 61110. Arrangements by Olson Funeral & Cremation Services Ltd. To share a memory or condolence, visit olsonfh.com.