Barbara J. Cotter

Barbara J. "Bardy" Cotter died in Naples, Florida on May 7, 2018. The daughter of Bedford and Helen Butcher, she was born in Winchester, Indiana on February 23, 1930. She attended high school in Union City, Indiana and Western College for Women in Oxford, Ohio which is now a part of Miami University. She married her high school sweetheart, Richard J. Cotter, on August 26, 1950 and they made their home in Hastings, Michigan until his death in December 1990. They spent many happy times in Hastings with their two daughters, Sally Nielsen (Ned) of Hilton Head Island, SC and Jill Walters (Nelson) of Holland, Michigan. She is also survived by her twin grandsons, Dr. Daniel Walters (Dr. Kristen Walters) of La Jolla, California and Richard Kent Walters of Seattle, Washington. Bardy and Dick also spent time in Naples, Florida where Bardy eventually made her home following Dick’s death. She spent summers in Holland, Michigan for many years where she delighted in spending time with her grandsons, beach time and playing golf. Bardy was an important part of the Hastings, Holland and Naples volunteer community. She was one of the founders of the gift shop at Hastings Pennock Hospital to benefit the hospital and spent countless hours in the shop, including organizing the annual Christmas Gift Show. A cancer survivor, she reached out to others with cancer through the American Cancer Society volunteer and fundraising programs. She was a member of the Hastings First Presbyterian Church, Naples First Presbyterian Church, Hastings Country Club and the Holland Country Club. She loved time with family and friends, traveling with her daughters and their families on cruises. She loved life, art and design, chocolate, skiing in Snowmass, tennis, golf, entertaining and music. She had an open home and heart, wonderful sense of humor and lit up a room with her vivacious spirit. The family wishes to thank her special friends, Susie O’berski and Ally Trillet, for their love and kind care. A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, June 16 at 11:00 a.m. at Alpenrose at 4 East Eighth Street in Holland, Michigan. In lieu of flowers, gifts to the Alzheimer’s Association, American Cancer Society or a charity of your choice are appreciated. Arrangements are being handled by Shikany’s Funeral Home - Family owned since 1978.

Barbara J. Cotter

February 23, 1930 - May 7, 2018