With deep regrets, the family of Frances Elizabeth Hanff Cotter, born in Worcester, Mass., on May 27, 1930, to Ludvovic Francis Hanff and Ethel Ruth Hanff, announces that she passed away on Feb. 10, 2014.
As a child, Fran moved to Rhode Island with her family, attended Aldrich High School (Warwick) and graduated in June 1948. She completed her post-secondary studies in Home Economics Teacher Training (Education) at the University of Rhode Island in 1952.
She married her betrothed, Donald James, on June 21, 1952. The newly married couple set up housekeeping in Ithaca, NY, where Don completed his graduate studies at Cornell University. For nearly two years, Fran worked in the Home Economics Placement Office at Cornell University. Following the birth of her first child, Lee Stephen, on March 14, 1954, Fran began a career as a mom, supporting her family.
Following her move to Lexington Kentucky in 1956, she delivered James Francis (Nov. 14, 1957) and Susan Jane (Jan. 28, 1961).
She was survived by her husband, Don, children Lee of Las Cruces, James (Deborah Joyce) of Winston Salem, NC, and Susan (Susan Mellon) of Tempe, AZ, and three grandchildren, Christopher Cotter (Vanderbilt U.), Allison Cotter (Wake Forest U.) and Jessica Cotter (Appalachian State U.).
She was preceded in death by her mother and father; sister, Bernice Ruth Hanff Tolvo and her brother-in-law Robert Tolvo, formerly of Leesburg, Fla.
Fran served her family as a stay at home Mom for over two decades as she provided the love, guidance and ongoing support for her flock. With loving care and skill she accomplished those important activities as serving and sewing for the family, preparing and preserving foods at home and embracing each family member with love, guidance and wisdom as needed. In essence she created a moral and healthy home - healthy in environment and nutrition.
Among her activities during those at home years, Fran served the University Women's clubs at the University of Kentucky and New Mexico State University. She served on many committees while at UK and served as NMSU club president, circa 1974. Fran enjoyed many adventures in her life. In 1962, she shepherded her young family to Bogor, Indonesia, where she served as the matriarch to her brood and home at a time of national uncertainty, shortages and joy. In 1963, she team taught in the American Expat School, a one-room affair where English speaking students studied grades 4 to 6. At the same time, she entertained expats and Indonesian friends with great skill and warmth. While in Las Cruces, she served as co-adviser to the first coed BSA Explorer Post 357. In that era she was an inspirational counselor to the young women of that post during the difficult and dynamic years of the early and mid-70s. She and Don returned to Indonesia in 1989 where she helped Don in his work as a senior adviser to the Agronomy Department, College of Agriculture, University of Indonesia, Bandar Lampung, Sumatra. Fran supported her sons in their construction businesses for a number of years. Following her children leaving the protective wings of her home, she opened a home design, decorating and remodeling business, Putnam House Interiors, in the late 1970s.
She qualified for her New Mexico General Contractors License (GB-98) circa 1980, which enabled her to add remodeling and home construction activities to her interiors prowess. She closed that business when she and Don returned to Indonesia in 1989.
Following her return from Sumatra, she and Don built two comfortable homes, more than 50 apartment units and traveled extensively in RV's through North America, including 50 states, three Mexican states and all the Canadian provinces, save Labrador. She saw, experienced and marveled at the diverse beauty and wonderment of her beloved home country and its' environs.
Fran's final adventure began in October 2008 when a blood clot to her spine following lower back surgery caused a paraplegic condition. With her signature guts and grit she fought her limitations regaining much control of her lower body. Throughout this ordeal, she kept her personae upbeat and appreciative for those around her who helped and loved her.
Funeral services were held at Getz Funeral Home. Burial followed at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens Cemetery.
Arrangements were with Getz Funeral Home.
Published in Las Cruces Sun-News on Feb. 13, 2014
As a child, Fran moved to Rhode Island with her family, attended Aldrich High School (Warwick) and graduated in June 1948. She completed her post-secondary studies in Home Economics Teacher Training (Education) at the University of Rhode Island in 1952.
She married her betrothed, Donald James, on June 21, 1952. The newly married couple set up housekeeping in Ithaca, NY, where Don completed his graduate studies at Cornell University. For nearly two years, Fran worked in the Home Economics Placement Office at Cornell University. Following the birth of her first child, Lee Stephen, on March 14, 1954, Fran began a career as a mom, supporting her family.
Following her move to Lexington Kentucky in 1956, she delivered James Francis (Nov. 14, 1957) and Susan Jane (Jan. 28, 1961).
She was survived by her husband, Don, children Lee of Las Cruces, James (Deborah Joyce) of Winston Salem, NC, and Susan (Susan Mellon) of Tempe, AZ, and three grandchildren, Christopher Cotter (Vanderbilt U.), Allison Cotter (Wake Forest U.) and Jessica Cotter (Appalachian State U.).
She was preceded in death by her mother and father; sister, Bernice Ruth Hanff Tolvo and her brother-in-law Robert Tolvo, formerly of Leesburg, Fla.
Fran served her family as a stay at home Mom for over two decades as she provided the love, guidance and ongoing support for her flock. With loving care and skill she accomplished those important activities as serving and sewing for the family, preparing and preserving foods at home and embracing each family member with love, guidance and wisdom as needed. In essence she created a moral and healthy home - healthy in environment and nutrition.
Among her activities during those at home years, Fran served the University Women's clubs at the University of Kentucky and New Mexico State University. She served on many committees while at UK and served as NMSU club president, circa 1974. Fran enjoyed many adventures in her life. In 1962, she shepherded her young family to Bogor, Indonesia, where she served as the matriarch to her brood and home at a time of national uncertainty, shortages and joy. In 1963, she team taught in the American Expat School, a one-room affair where English speaking students studied grades 4 to 6. At the same time, she entertained expats and Indonesian friends with great skill and warmth. While in Las Cruces, she served as co-adviser to the first coed BSA Explorer Post 357. In that era she was an inspirational counselor to the young women of that post during the difficult and dynamic years of the early and mid-70s. She and Don returned to Indonesia in 1989 where she helped Don in his work as a senior adviser to the Agronomy Department, College of Agriculture, University of Indonesia, Bandar Lampung, Sumatra. Fran supported her sons in their construction businesses for a number of years. Following her children leaving the protective wings of her home, she opened a home design, decorating and remodeling business, Putnam House Interiors, in the late 1970s.
She qualified for her New Mexico General Contractors License (GB-98) circa 1980, which enabled her to add remodeling and home construction activities to her interiors prowess. She closed that business when she and Don returned to Indonesia in 1989.
Following her return from Sumatra, she and Don built two comfortable homes, more than 50 apartment units and traveled extensively in RV's through North America, including 50 states, three Mexican states and all the Canadian provinces, save Labrador. She saw, experienced and marveled at the diverse beauty and wonderment of her beloved home country and its' environs.
Fran's final adventure began in October 2008 when a blood clot to her spine following lower back surgery caused a paraplegic condition. With her signature guts and grit she fought her limitations regaining much control of her lower body. Throughout this ordeal, she kept her personae upbeat and appreciative for those around her who helped and loved her.
Funeral services were held at Getz Funeral Home. Burial followed at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens Cemetery.
Arrangements were with Getz Funeral Home.
Published in Las Cruces Sun-News on Feb. 13, 2014
With deep regrets, the family of Frances Elizabeth Hanff Cotter, born in Worcester, Mass., on May 27, 1930, to Ludvovic Francis Hanff and Ethel Ruth Hanff, announces that she passed away on Feb. 10, 2014.
As a child, Fran moved to Rhode Island with her family, attended Aldrich High School (Warwick) and graduated in June 1948. She completed her post-secondary studies in Home Economics Teacher Training (Education) at the University of Rhode Island in 1952.
She married her betrothed, Donald James, on June 21, 1952. The newly married couple set up housekeeping in Ithaca, NY, where Don completed his graduate studies at Cornell University. For nearly two years, Fran worked in the Home Economics Placement Office at Cornell University. Following the birth of her first child, Lee Stephen, on March 14, 1954, Fran began a career as a mom, supporting her family.
Following her move to Lexington Kentucky in 1956, she delivered James Francis (Nov. 14, 1957) and Susan Jane (Jan. 28, 1961).
She was survived by her husband, Don, children Lee of Las Cruces, James (Deborah Joyce) of Winston Salem, NC, and Susan (Susan Mellon) of Tempe, AZ, and three grandchildren, Christopher Cotter (Vanderbilt U.), Allison Cotter (Wake Forest U.) and Jessica Cotter (Appalachian State U.).
She was preceded in death by her mother and father; sister, Bernice Ruth Hanff Tolvo and her brother-in-law Robert Tolvo, formerly of Leesburg, Fla.
Fran served her family as a stay at home Mom for over two decades as she provided the love, guidance and ongoing support for her flock. With loving care and skill she accomplished those important activities as serving and sewing for the family, preparing and preserving foods at home and embracing each family member with love, guidance and wisdom as needed. In essence she created a moral and healthy home - healthy in environment and nutrition.
Among her activities during those at home years, Fran served the University Women's clubs at the University of Kentucky and New Mexico State University. She served on many committees while at UK and served as NMSU club president, circa 1974. Fran enjoyed many adventures in her life. In 1962, she shepherded her young family to Bogor, Indonesia, where she served as the matriarch to her brood and home at a time of national uncertainty, shortages and joy. In 1963, she team taught in the American Expat School, a one-room affair where English speaking students studied grades 4 to 6. At the same time, she entertained expats and Indonesian friends with great skill and warmth. While in Las Cruces, she served as co-adviser to the first coed BSA Explorer Post 357. In that era she was an inspirational counselor to the young women of that post during the difficult and dynamic years of the early and mid-70s. She and Don returned to Indonesia in 1989 where she helped Don in his work as a senior adviser to the Agronomy Department, College of Agriculture, University of Indonesia, Bandar Lampung, Sumatra. Fran supported her sons in their construction businesses for a number of years. Following her children leaving the protective wings of her home, she opened a home design, decorating and remodeling business, Putnam House Interiors, in the late 1970s.
She qualified for her New Mexico General Contractors License (GB-98) circa 1980, which enabled her to add remodeling and home construction activities to her interiors prowess. She closed that business when she and Don returned to Indonesia in 1989.
Following her return from Sumatra, she and Don built two comfortable homes, more than 50 apartment units and traveled extensively in RV's through North America, including 50 states, three Mexican states and all the Canadian provinces, save Labrador. She saw, experienced and marveled at the diverse beauty and wonderment of her beloved home country and its' environs.
Fran's final adventure began in October 2008 when a blood clot to her spine following lower back surgery caused a paraplegic condition. With her signature guts and grit she fought her limitations regaining much control of her lower body. Throughout this ordeal, she kept her personae upbeat and appreciative for those around her who helped and loved her.
Funeral services were held at Getz Funeral Home. Burial followed at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens Cemetery.
Arrangements were with Getz Funeral Home.
Published in Las Cruces Sun-News on Feb. 13, 2014
As a child, Fran moved to Rhode Island with her family, attended Aldrich High School (Warwick) and graduated in June 1948. She completed her post-secondary studies in Home Economics Teacher Training (Education) at the University of Rhode Island in 1952.
She married her betrothed, Donald James, on June 21, 1952. The newly married couple set up housekeeping in Ithaca, NY, where Don completed his graduate studies at Cornell University. For nearly two years, Fran worked in the Home Economics Placement Office at Cornell University. Following the birth of her first child, Lee Stephen, on March 14, 1954, Fran began a career as a mom, supporting her family.
Following her move to Lexington Kentucky in 1956, she delivered James Francis (Nov. 14, 1957) and Susan Jane (Jan. 28, 1961).
She was survived by her husband, Don, children Lee of Las Cruces, James (Deborah Joyce) of Winston Salem, NC, and Susan (Susan Mellon) of Tempe, AZ, and three grandchildren, Christopher Cotter (Vanderbilt U.), Allison Cotter (Wake Forest U.) and Jessica Cotter (Appalachian State U.).
She was preceded in death by her mother and father; sister, Bernice Ruth Hanff Tolvo and her brother-in-law Robert Tolvo, formerly of Leesburg, Fla.
Fran served her family as a stay at home Mom for over two decades as she provided the love, guidance and ongoing support for her flock. With loving care and skill she accomplished those important activities as serving and sewing for the family, preparing and preserving foods at home and embracing each family member with love, guidance and wisdom as needed. In essence she created a moral and healthy home - healthy in environment and nutrition.
Among her activities during those at home years, Fran served the University Women's clubs at the University of Kentucky and New Mexico State University. She served on many committees while at UK and served as NMSU club president, circa 1974. Fran enjoyed many adventures in her life. In 1962, she shepherded her young family to Bogor, Indonesia, where she served as the matriarch to her brood and home at a time of national uncertainty, shortages and joy. In 1963, she team taught in the American Expat School, a one-room affair where English speaking students studied grades 4 to 6. At the same time, she entertained expats and Indonesian friends with great skill and warmth. While in Las Cruces, she served as co-adviser to the first coed BSA Explorer Post 357. In that era she was an inspirational counselor to the young women of that post during the difficult and dynamic years of the early and mid-70s. She and Don returned to Indonesia in 1989 where she helped Don in his work as a senior adviser to the Agronomy Department, College of Agriculture, University of Indonesia, Bandar Lampung, Sumatra. Fran supported her sons in their construction businesses for a number of years. Following her children leaving the protective wings of her home, she opened a home design, decorating and remodeling business, Putnam House Interiors, in the late 1970s.
She qualified for her New Mexico General Contractors License (GB-98) circa 1980, which enabled her to add remodeling and home construction activities to her interiors prowess. She closed that business when she and Don returned to Indonesia in 1989.
Following her return from Sumatra, she and Don built two comfortable homes, more than 50 apartment units and traveled extensively in RV's through North America, including 50 states, three Mexican states and all the Canadian provinces, save Labrador. She saw, experienced and marveled at the diverse beauty and wonderment of her beloved home country and its' environs.
Fran's final adventure began in October 2008 when a blood clot to her spine following lower back surgery caused a paraplegic condition. With her signature guts and grit she fought her limitations regaining much control of her lower body. Throughout this ordeal, she kept her personae upbeat and appreciative for those around her who helped and loved her.
Funeral services were held at Getz Funeral Home. Burial followed at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens Cemetery.
Arrangements were with Getz Funeral Home.
Published in Las Cruces Sun-News on Feb. 13, 2014
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