Nancy F. Cotter

Nancy F. Cotter , 78, passed away peacefully in her home on October 19, 2022.

Nancy was born in Youngstown, OH. She attended Austintown-Fitch High School where she graduated near the top of her class as a National Honor Society recipient. Having always wanting to be a nurse, she enrolled in St. Luke’s School of Nursing, graduating in 1965. She met her future husband, Jim, less than two years later. After a mere three-week courtship, Nancy & Jim began their 35 year journey. They moved to Akron soon after, where Nancy accepted a position with VNS. She worked as an outpatient planning nurse, coordinating through Akron City Hospital (Summa Health), until her retirement in 1988. She and Jim were always advocating for death with dignity and played a role in promoting the first Akron area Hospice facility on Ridgewood Rd. As advocates they both dedicated time and treasure and worked diligently to raise both money and awareness of hospice care.

Although Nancy was retired, she maintained her nursing license and volunteered at the Ridgewood Rd. Hospice facility for several years after its construction. Nancy also volunteered at Summa Health each Monday, in the Care Center, until early this summer, when her health became an issue.

Nancy enjoyed gardening, baking, cooking, decorating, playing cards and politics. She was also an avid reader and sports enthusiast and loved watching football, college and professional, with her husband. But most importantly she treasured spending time with her family and friends and planning gourmet meals to delight those who visited. Nancy was a strong, independent woman and wonderful role model. She was a caring, loving, respectful child, wife, mother and grandmother.

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents Ed & Fern Fitch, husband Jim and stepdaughter Debbie Cotter.  She is survived by her stepson Bill Cotter and grandchildren, Cameron and Samantha Cotter.

We sincerely appreciate the tremendous care and support provided by the Summa Hospice Team and the 24/7 care by our in-home aides, over the last 4 months.

There will be a private family memorial to celebrate the life of our mom and grandmother. She will be deeply missed by those who loved her.

Memorial donations may be made to Summa Hospice.

Services in care The Billow Funeral Homes & Crematory, Fairlawn Chapel, 85 N Miller Road  Akron, OH  44333.