Mary Ellen Cotant

HASTINGS – Mary Ellen Cotant passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, at the age of 84 years, on Wednesday, July 2, 2025. She was an inspiration to her whole family.

Mary was born February 1, 1941, in Hastings, the daughter of Robert and Irene (Dann) Brownell, where she and her 8 siblings were raised in a log cabin on Shultz Road in Hastings, Michigan. She loved to share this along with attending the old, one-room Shultz Country School, prior to graduating from Hastings high school. Mary was very outgoing, positive spirit and friendly with lots of friends.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Phil, older brothers Jon, Jim, Jerry, Jeff, along with brothers-in-law Gordon Barlow, Robert Wellman, William & Elaine Hewitt, Jack & Betty Cotant and Velma Brownell. And survived by siblings Jane, Margaret, Tom, Ron, along with sisters-in-law Brenda, Joan, Murial, Kathy and Dawn (Forest) Kraus. She is survived by her children Steve (Cheryl) Cotant, Marcia (Eric Aldrich) Tuitel, and Mindy (Mike) Gilbert; five grandchildren, Andy (Jenny), Chelsea (Wes) Johnson, Ashley Tuitel, Morgan (Ian) Stadler, and Caitlyn Cotant; five great grandchildren.

Phil Cotant was the love of her life. They married at Goodwill Church on October 17, 1959. Their priorities were their faith, children and grandchildren over their 43 years together while living at Podunk Lake. They made a great team of hardworking, caring and generous people. Mom most enjoyed so many family activities, trips, Sunday dinners, caring for her loved ones, pontoon rides, bon-fires, freezing her strawberry jam, baking, planting in her flower gardens, dancing, and sewing. She valued her time with the grandkids, singing and teaching them, attending their sporting and cheerleading events, and trips to Mackinac Island and Hawaii.

Mary shared her talent at Pennock Hospital for over 35 years where she put others first, in a variety of positions and departments before retiring. She loved her career and community. Labor and delivery were one of her favorites early on and would continue to be drawn to smile and converse with children or start a conversation with newly expecting moms. Mom was beloved by her patients and respected by her colleagues and doctors she supported. She spent several years volunteering as a leader for both 4H and Camp Fire girls.

We take comfort in knowing she is with her Lord. Our family would like to express our gratitude to the staff at Legacies Assisted Living with supporting us with the care of our mom.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Girrbach Funeral Home 328 South Broadway Street, Hastings, Michigan. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at 11am at the Green Street United Methodist Church with visitation one hour prior and a luncheon to follow. Pastor Bryce Feighner officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donation may be made to Legacies Assisted Living 9031 North Rodgers, Ct. SE, Caledonia, MI 49316 (Phone 616-275-4999), Green Street United Methodist Food Pantry, 209 W Green St, Hastings, MI 49058, https://greenstreetumc.faith/giving or Pennock Health Services Fund - Corewell (Make Check Payable to Barry Community Foundation, 231 S. Broadway St., Hastings, MI 49058, (Phone 269-945-0526) (Give online: https://www.barrycf.org/funds/pennock-health-services-fund-corewell/) .

To give your condolences online, visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net.