Carol Ann Cotter

Carol Ann Cotter was born March 11, 1937 to Hertha Minnie Maas and Glen Eldo Wilson in Alhambra California. She was their only child and grew up in Inglewood CA enjoying all sports. She was very much a tomboy and could excel in just about any game she played, much to the dismay of the neighborhood boys. Her father worked for Arden Dairy and Carol was a frequent visitor. Her father often played ball with her after work or included her in his radio Dodger games. They would regularly attend the local high school football games at her future high school, Inglewood High, as well as USC football games. Carol’s mother would take her to musicals where Carol fell in love with music of all kinds.

When she was older her parents bought a neighborhood grocery store and their time was spent running that. She worked there through her high school years.

Carol met Tom Cotter on a blind date and the two were married in 1955. They had two daughters: Deborah and Lynette. Tom and Carol retired to Oakhurst, CA near Yosemite National Park, but decided to move back to Cypress to be near their daughters and grandchildren.

Carol was a very gifted artist, sewer, and floral designer. She was also extremely stylish. Above all, Carol loved her family. She kept folders for each grandchild containing clippings, cut-outs and other mementos of special accomplishments and memories. She attended all their sports events and programs throughout the years after moving back to Cypress. They in turn took her to professional baseball, basketball and soccer games. She travelled to Canada with one grandson, met another in Alaska and yearly camped with the family in her tent!!!

Carol walked 1-2 miles daily, golfed weekly, played Pickleball for a time, spent time with friends in church, Bible Study, Book Club, neighborhoods widows’ group, and worked at Judy's Kitchen serving the homeless.

Carol was strong, smart and hard working. Her mind remained sharp until the end, often remembering names and details that no one else did. She was loving in tangible ways and left lasting positive impressions including on people she met only briefly.

She loved her family and friends and many, many adventures, always looking to the next one.