Obituary of JoAnn U. Cotter
Born April 25, 1952, passed away June 24, 2019. Predeceased by her parents, Michael and Joyce Umansky, nephew Michael Umansky. JoAnn is survived by her loving husband, Kevin Cotter and her beloved sons, Ryan Cotter and Jesse Cotter, Esq.; daughter-in-law Thalia Gavriel; brother, Dr. Ronald (Sheila) Umansky; aunt, Anne Gordon, uncle, Marshall and (Doris) Cohen; cousins, Cindy Kreitzberg and Richard Cohen; nieces and nephews. She will be greatly missed by many dear friends who loved her very much.
Jo was a petite woman with a loving heart and great strength. Her adult life revolved around her cherished family and the beautiful home they made together.
She lost her father Michael while still a young teen and took on responsibilities beyond her years.
JoAnn worked as a Patient Liaison at Rochester General Hospital where her uplifting personality and sense of humor was a perfect fit to help distressed patients.
In 2015, after a visit to her brother Dr. Ronald Umansky, Jo was diagnosed with Leukemia. She was remarkable in maintaining a positive attitude as, with the care and support of family and friends, she battled this horrible disease.
In 2016, thanks to the Gift Of Life organization, Jo was able to receive a bone marrow transplant that gave her three more years of a full life. During a special ceremony at Met’s City Field, Jo publicly expressed her gratitude to her family and friends, and to her donor, Michael Broker. Jo said “Michael’s youthful cells made her feel younger than before she was ill.”
Tragically, two weeks ago, complications from Leukemia dealt our wonderful JoAnn a severe blow from which even she was unable to recover. In the early morning of June 24th, this extraordinary woman, whose inner light and enduring love inspired us all, left this Earth.
It is Jo’s gift to us all to be grateful for the goodness that we find in our own lives everyday.
The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to Dr. Jane L. Liesveld, the Rochester General Hospital staff (Jo’s fan club) and for the excellent care received from the Strong Memorial Hospital’s Cardiac Intensive Care Unit.
Funeral services will be held THURSDAY, June 27th at 12 PM at Brighton Memorial Chapel (3325 South Winton Road S.). Click HERE for a map to the funeral home.
Reception to be held after the service at 25 Valewood Run, Penfield. Click HERE for a map to the reception.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to GiftofLife.org. Click HERE to donate online.
