Rita Mae Cotter

1939 - 2021

Rita Mae Cotter

Painted Post - Rita Mae Cotter, age 81 of Painted Post, NY passed away on Wednesday, January 13, 2021 at Absolut Care of Three Rivers. She was born on February 14, 1939 in Corning, NY to Cornelius "Neil" C. and Margaret W. Marty Cotter, the youngest addition to her six siblings. She was a graduate of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School, Painted Post High School and attended Alfred State College. As a member of the class of 1956, Rita was a proud cheerleader and she remained an active participant in the PPHS Alumni.

Rita spent her professional career at the Corning Leader, where she retired from the Circulation Department after decades ensuring the community received their morning newspaper. Her dedication was recognized with an award from the Corning Chamber of Commerce. Rita was an avid bowler and a good one, with the perfect scores in the record books. As a member of Crystal Bowlerettes League, Rita ensured team Cotter Pins place in history, bowling a 687 that remains memorialized in awards still on display at Crystal Lanes.

Rita became a member of the Secular Franciscan Family and observed the Gospel of Christ by following the example of Francis of Assisi. She was a dedicated member of the All Saints Parish where she lifted her voice in the choir of the Immaculate Heart of Mary church, sharing the alto section with good friend Joan.

Rita was thought of as a faithful friend and true lady who will always be remembered for her beautiful voice and kind ways by her friend Lucille. The Rita we'll remember most loved all creatures great and small, sang high harmonies in perfect pitch to silly, traditional Cotter family songs during countless, legendary, raucous, memory making, sing-a-longs on West High St in Painted Post, or wherever the mood struck!. Her good nature extended to resolving billing disputes, responding in prose by addressing the discrepancies in her replies in poem form that she delighted in sharing at the next Cotter family gathering until the matter was finally resolved.

Rita is survived by sisters-in-law, Rita Maio Cotter and Margaret "Peg" Sproule Cotter, very special cousin and lifelong friend, Nancy Marty Hamill, of Corning, along with nieces and nephews and extended family in many parts of the country, including Wilber "Bud" Dahlgren, Mike Cotter, Jeff Cotter, Kathy Cotter, John Cotter, Lisa Cannon, Shaun Cannon and their father, a special friend to Rita, Bill Cannon.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Anna Dahlgren and Joan Candleana; brothers, James & sister-in-law Em, Ray, Gene and Don; nephew Tim; and nieces Judy Cannon and Patricia Herman.

A private service was held at Carpenter's Funeral Home, Corning officiated by Fr. Patrick Connor, Fr. Matthew Jones and the Order of the Franciscans. An interment will follow at St Mary's Cemetery.

A celebration of Rita's life is being planned for a future date due to the abruptness of her passing from complications of COVID19. The family asks that you please wear a mask and save a life.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Rita's name may be sent to: Painted Post Food Pantry, 201 North Hamilton Street, Painted Post, NY.