Mary J. Cotter

Mary J. Cotter, age 81, of Ripon, WI, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 4, 2025 at Prairie Place in Ripon.

Mary was born on December 18, 1943 in Chicago, IL, daughter of Howard and Clara (Sina) Cotter. She graduated from Ripon High School, class of 1962. She went on to receive her nursing degree from St. Agnes School of Nursing in 1965. Mary proudly served in the U.S. Army Nurse Corp as 1st Lieutenant from 1965 until 1967. She dedicated her nursing career to working with the elderly in various nursing homes in California, Wisconsin, and briefly in Texas.

Mary was passionate about sports, especially the Green Bay Packers and Milwaukee Brewers. She was a member of the PGA golf and played in tournaments. In her free time, Mary loved helping at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, where she was a devoted member, with their rummage sales. She also volunteered at Russell Manor for meals and other events.

Mary is survived by her sister, Cis (Mark) Holzhauer of Appleton, WI; brother, Dr. Patrick (Natasha) Cotter of Gill, MA; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Howard and Clara Cotter; a sister; five brothers; and two nieces.

Visitation for Mary will be held from 10:00 am until 11:30 am on Friday, October 10, 2025 at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, 228 E. Blossom St., Ripon, WI 54971.

Mass of Christian Burial for Mary will be held at 11:30 am on Friday, October 10, 2025 at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church in Ripon, with Father Chuck Wrobel officiating. Interment will follow at St. Patrick Catholic Cemetery, Town of Ripon. Memorials in Mary’s name may be directed to St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, 218 E. Blossom St., Ripon, WI 54971; EWTN, 5817 Old Leeds Rd., Irondale, AL 35210; or to Heart of the Nation, 1205 S. 70th Street #701, West Allis, WI 53214.