Ellen I. Cottrell

"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven."

On Saturday, April 13th, Ellen Irene Cottrell went to Heaven to be with her husband, Douglas who died March 16th, 2012. Ellen Irene Powers, nicknamed "Snookie," was born July 12th, 1935 in Newfield, New York to her both now deceased parents, Edward and Gladys Turk Powers. Ellen Irene Powers and Douglas James Cottrell met in school at Scott, NY and married January 23rd,1954 in Scott, New York. She was the second child of Edward and Gladys' seven children. Still living are: Patricia Husted (Paul) Homer & Syracuse, NY, Judy Barrows and Susan Powers-McCarthy (Texas). She is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Siblings Gerry, Dale, Jean are deceased. Ellen graduated from Homer High School in 1953. She worked at General Electric, Heavy Military, as an Administrative Assistant until 1986. She then worked for Norstar Bank in the special assets department until her retirement.

Ellen is survived by four children: Debbie and Bill Dermady of Watertown; Joseph Cottrell of Florida; Robin (Monique Cuyler) Cottrell of Liverpool; John and Elizabeth (Lavin) Cottrell of Geddes. She is also survived by many grandchildren and great grandchildren: Debbie and Bill's family-Jennifer (Dermady) Grant of Maryland with sons, Cameron and Clayton; Shannon (Dermady) and Robert Jessman with children, Ashley (Jessman) and James O'Doherty, and grandson Michael Jessman all from Cape Cod, MA; Aaron and Nicole (Quimby) Dermady with their two children, Madison and Liam Dermady from Cape Cod, MA..

A great-great granddaughter, Lucy O'Doherty made our family a fifth generational family. Joseph Cottrell has two children; Crystal Cottrell and Joseph Cottrell Jr. (Jessica) along with seven grandchildren. John and Elizabeth have three children; Abigail, Catherine, and Fionnagain. Ellen loved bragging about her entire family. Her walls and tables were always adorned with photos of her family.

Ellen loved volunteering for various activities her children were involved in such as being a band parent, sports parent and scouting parent. On any given day one would find Ellen cooking or baking for her family or friends. She loved to do so. When she retired many times one would find Doug and Ellen dining out at many local restaurants, gardening and following the Yankees or SU. They both loved to bowl and were on several bowling teams. They enjoyed many summers at Sand Bay in the Thousand Islands.

Over the last three years Ellen moved to "The Cottages at Garden Grove." While there she made many friends and the nurses and other staff cared for as one of their own. The tremendous support they all gave to her and her family was so very thoughtful and we are grateful for the kindness they showed.

Ellen struggled throughout life with Diabetes. For this, the family wishes donations in lieu of flowers be made to the Diabetes Foundation.

A private burial will take place at a later date in the North Syracuse Cemetery, where her husband Douglas is buried.