COTTER, Diana Ruth

It is with great sadness that the family of Diana Ruth Cotter, 96, of Bridgewater, formerly of Heckman’s Island, shares news of her passing on Thursday, November 23, 2023, at Ridgewood Assisted Living, Bridgewater.

Born on the island of Eastern Points, she was a daughter of the late William and Flora (Covey) Tanner.

Diana loved gardening, reading, travel, and spending time with her family. She was proud to be a third-generation teacher, and saw her career as an opportunity to widen her world. After teaching in one room schools in Fall River and Peggy’s Cove, she moved on to Montreal, and then Bermuda. She gave up teaching after a move to Toronto, where she met Harry. They relocated to Buffalo, NY, and lived there for 30 years. In 1982, they moved to Heckman’s Island, where Diana gardened, cursed the deer, and carried firewood until she was 90.

Diana is survived by her son, Jeff (Carol Slack-Wamboldt) Cotter, Conquerall Bank; grandchildren, Sam (Leila Timmins) Cotter, Max Cotter, Cait Cotter, Sean Cotter and Marie-Claire Wamboldt; great-grandson Angus Cotter; sister-in-law Annie Tanner, as well as several nieces and nephews.

Besides her parents, she is predeceased by her husband, Harry; sisters, Arleen Tanner, Enid Bezanson; brothers, Ivan, Raymond and Vernon Tanner.

Diana’s family is deeply grateful to all those who cared for her over the past few months. Thank you in particular to Dr Michel Samson, Drs Kelly and Chiasson, the Palliative Care team, and the many nurses - especially those on the Medical Unit at Fishermen’s Hospital - for their outstanding care and compassion.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Dana L. Sweeny Funeral Home, 11213 Highway 3, Lunenburg.

In keeping with Diana’s wishes, there will be no memorial service.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations made to Fishermen’s Memorial Hospital, Lunenburg, would be appreciated by the family. www.sweenyfuneralhome.ca