Ann A. Cotter

SOUTHBURY - Ann Alice Cotter, in her 100th year, departed this life due to complications of COVID 19 on January 25, 2021 at River Glen Healthcare. Ann was born in Derby, CT on December 10, 1921 to the late John and Ann (Anderson) Cotter.

Ann attended St. Mary's School in Derby, and graduated from Derby High School with the Class of 1939. She began her nurses' education at the Hospital of St. Raphael School of Nursing in September of 1939 and graduated in 1943 as a Registered Nurse, ever after being know as "Ann A. Cotter, R.N." Soon after graduating, Ann moved to Morristown, New Jersey, where she joined the staff of All Souls Hospital. She enjoyed a 35-year career at All Souls/Morristown Memorial. During those years, she developed an extensive network of life-long friends who came to think of her as family. She retired in 1982 and moved back to Connecticut where she continued to work as a nurse part-time. All of her life, Ann was devoted to her family. She was a wonderful daughter, sister, aunt, and Godmother.

She visited Connecticut often for family events and holidays and hosted many family members at her home in Morristown. "Auntie Ann's" visits were fondly anticipated by her nieces and nephews. In her very generous way, Auntie Ann was always taking "the children" out for soft-serve ice cream cones and presenting her nieces and nephews with new outfits for First Communions, Confirmations, and Easter Sundays. In her own feisty, sassy, and spunky way, Ann was a source of fun and support for friends and family alike. In her later years, Ann made her home with her sister and brother-in-law, Grace and Don Whittle. Ann enjoyed being a member of the Oxford Senior Center, through which she and her sister traveled the state in search of casinos. She never met a scratch-off ticket or penny slot that she didn't like. Ann spent her last five years as a member of the River Glen Healthcare community. She made many friends among staff and residents alike. She was a member of the patients' council and enjoyed many activities and outings with the Recreation Department.

Ann is survived by three nieces, two nephews, and their children and grandchildren. She was pre-deceased by her parents, her two brothers, Henry and William Bartell, and her sister and brother-in-law. The family wishes to thank the staff of River Glen Healthcare for their kindness, compassion, professional skills, and their friendship to Ann during her time there and especially at the end of her life.

A graveside service will be held for Ann at St. Rose Cemetery in Newtown on Friday, January 29 at 10 A.M. All are welcome to attend. Her family is planning a celebration of her life for the Fall of 2021 to commemorate her 100th birthday. The Carpino Funeral Home of Southbury has been entrusted with the arrangements. To leave a message of remembrance, please visit www.CarpinoCares.com.

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