Anne Harriet (Dugan) Cotter
Anne Harriet (Dugan) Cotter, 79, of Milton, MA and Block Island, RI, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, May 17, 2019. Born on November 23, 1939 in Brookline, MA, to her loving parents William and Mary (Feeley) Dugan.
At an early age, Anne shared a joy for music singing with her parents in three-part harmony. On many occasions throughout her life Anne shared her beautiful voice at weddings, christenings, Sunday Mass, and countless family gatherings. She also inherited her love of hats from her mother, Mimi. Many still refer to Anne as “the Hat Lady.”
Anne grew up in Braintree attending Sacred Heart High School in Weymouth and graduated from Boston College School of Nursing in 1961. After graduation, Anne was handpicked to reside at the Kennedy Compound in Hyannis for a summer looking after the newest addition to the Kennedy family. She shared so many stories of her adventures spent with various members of the Kennedys and the lasting friendships that developed as a result.
Anne remained on the faculty at Boston College as an instructor of maternity nursing at St. Margaret’s Hospital in Dorchester, MA. It was there she met the love of her life, Dr. Paul F. Cotter. Anne and Paul would marry soon after on September 22, 1962 at Sacred Heart Church in Weymouth and start a family. Over the next eight years, they had six children. Anne shifted gears and became a full-time homemaker. Despite the demands of raising six children, their 56-year marriage was a true love story. Their adoration and devotion to each other never wavered and their love for their children and grandchildren was unconditional.
Anne was an active member of Catholic Charities, taught catechism classes, opened her home to unwed mothers in need of respite, and cared for several ailing elderly family members in their final years. Her home was a sanctuary to anyone in need. Anne was a true matriarch teaching by her example the importance of celebrating life with loved ones and showing compassion for others.
Anne masterfully orchestrated summer vacations for six kids, their friends, horses, a goat, a rooster, cats, dogs, and enough food and clothes for two months year after year on Block Island. Ski trips to Franconia, NH with the Doyle’s had a similar flare with an additional four kids, skis, boots, and poles. The annual fall “girls weekend” included Anne’s famous Block Island tour that guests experienced sitting in the back of the pickup truck. You name it Anne celebrated it in the family homes in Braintree and Stoughton and she was always the most elegant and gracious host. Whether on Block Island, in Franconia, Braintree, Stoughton, or Milton, you knew you could find food and fun at Anne and Paul’s.
Anne had her share of challenges throughout her life. Her strength and humility was unequalled. She survived four different cancers and a stroke that greatly hindered her mobility, without complaint. To refer to her as superhuman would not be an exaggeration. Her courage is inspirational.
Anne’s compassion, warmth, sense of humor, and infectious smile will be forever missed.
She is survived by her beloved husband Paul, her children, Paul, Julie, Chris, Amy, Melissa and Tim and her grandchildren Caitlin, Missy, Tom, Kyle, Liam, Richie, Brianne, Dylan, Mary, and Haley. As well as many cousins, other relatives and friends.
A Mass will be celebrated at St. Agatha Parish, 432 Adams Street, Milton, MA, Wednesday, May 29, 2019 at 10:30a. Visiting hours at Dolan Funeral Home, 460 Granite Avenue, East Milton Square, Tuesday, May 28, 2019, 4p-7p. In lieu of flowers, please make any donations in her memory to Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Development Office, 116 Huntington Avenue, 3rd Floor, Boston, MA 02116, Season’s Hospice, 597 Randolph Avenue, Milton, MA, and Block Island Medical Center, Block Island, RI 02807.
Guestbook Entries
A beloved BC classmate. My prayers are with those who love her during this difficult time.
Such a wonderful friend! We had such great times at Boston College.
What fun we had riding in the back of her pickup truck on Block Island. Then her beautiful voice: she sang everywhere a restaurant in outer banks, piano bars, weddings . She was our own special celebrity friend .
Rest in peace dear friend! Nancy
Our thought and prayers are with the whole family
enjoy your place in heaven you will be missed by so manyyou have touched phyllis champigny leblanc class ’61
Heartfelt condolences to Anne’s family. She was a wonderful classmate at Boston College and loving friend.
Be at peace dear Anne.
Ruth
What a beautiful obituary! A truly beautiful and courageous life
Sorry I cannot attend as I live in Texas. I am sure the church will be full for her service
Ann
When I think of my cousin Anne I always go back to our Christmas family gatherings, the Dugan’s, Devlin’s, Steven’s, Feeley’s and O’Neil’s. The singing Dugan’s always treated the family to incredible songs, my favorite being Christmas Island.
I am sorry that Kitty and I cannot make the services but our prayers and thoughts are with you all.
Dear Paul, Julie, Chris, Amy, Melissa and Tim,
You’ve written a wonderful tribute to your Mom. She was a very special person to so many. I’ll always remember my cousin, Anne, as a caring, fun-loving, courageous and inspirational woman, just like her Mom, Mimi. When with your Mom she always made you feel like you were the most important person in the world, unless, of course, you were acting up and she needed to swat you with her big, red, plastic bat. 🙂 At this very sad time may you find comfort in one another and all the beautiful memories you have of times together. With heartfelt sympathy and much love to all, Margo and Gerry
I was the guest that kinda never went away during my high school years with Melissa. I somehow found myself on those vacations to Block Island and Cannon Mountain. I learned how to become a formidable skier and very capable horseback rider because of the amazing Cotters. Mama C, as I was allowed to call her, smiled every moment that I was around. If she grew tired of my presence she never showed it. I wish I’d known her more in my adult years. We could have had some real great laughs. Nothing better than a cackle from Mama C. What a loss yet, what a gift. Love to all the Cotters! You made me a better human being. Thanks for having me around. Gus
Cotter “kids” … I have such great memories of your parents and hanging out at your house in Braintree. Your mom was a lovely kind lady and never once made the kid from next door who was always hanging around feel anything but welcome! I recently heard of your mom and then dad’s passing. Sending love to each of you and thinking of you all ~ Jill