Florence D. Cottman Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Florence Delores Fontaine Cottman, affectionately named “Babe” and “Dee,” was born on May 25, 1934, in Chester, PA, to the late Thomas Fontaine and Florence Robinson. On April 22, 2022, she peacefully transitioned from this life surrounded by the love of her family. She was a longtime Chester resident and completed her education in the Chester Public School System. She was married to the late Maurice I. Cottman, Sr. and from that union came five children, Moretta, Stephany, Olivia, Maurice, and Ronnette. Florence first worked in a mushroom factory which she did not enjoy but endured because she needed the money to provide for her family. She left there to work in Food Services at Taylor Hospital. After leaving Taylor Hospital, Florence decided to become an entrepreneur. She had a love for babies and operated a Home Day Care for many years. Many of the children she cared for, now grown, and raising their own families, came back to visit her and remembered the excellent care and love she provided. Florence made the decision to expand her home because a nursing home was not an option for her later years, if needed. Babe was a lifelong member of St. Daniels U M Church where she served faithfully on the Aid Guild, Church Kitchen support, Outreach Ministries, Adult Usher Board, United Methodist Women, and Class#16. She always attended many of the functions and special services that St Daniels had. She especially loved Men’s Day to see the men march to the offering table and around the church. She was a woman of great character and servitude. Florence was always willing to help whenever and wherever asked, often with the support of her daughters whom she volunteered. She helped many people, even taking them in when it was least favorable for her. She loved quilting, traveling, putting together puzzles, and she was known for her abundant and excellent cooking. She made the best 7-Up Cake, rolls, biscuits, and Jell-O mold. From time to time she would sell dinners to the local community. Babe managed her illness with dignity and never loss that quiet smile. She loved her children and her family. For many years, her sister Patricia lived next door, and a few days out of the week they would go exercising or take a ride to get ice cream. She was pre-deceased by her husband, Maurice I. Cottman, Sr., her parents, Mr. and Ms. Thomas Fontaine, and her brothers, Melvin, and Herman Fontaine. Florence leaves to cherish and honor her wonderful memory her five children, Moretta White; Stephany Cottman; Olivia Whye (Kenneth); Maurice I. Cottman, Jr; Ronnette Barnes (Robert), one sister, Patricia Covert; a sister-in-law, Aneeta Fontaine; seven grandchildren, Shakyra Davis, Brondel Van, Owen Ighile, Shauna Cottman, Mariah Brown, Kayla Barnes, Ciani Hodges; several great-grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, spiritual children, friends, church family and community. Sorrowfully Submitted, The Family

Florence D. Cottman

May 25, 1934 - April 22, 2022