Margaret Cottrill

Margie was born on September 20, 1946 in Gary, Indiana to Samuel and Margaret Kucan. Her family included an older sister, Madaline Jaundzems and younger brothers Sammy and Carl. Sundays were filled with church followed by picnics at the family farm. Margaret graduated from Lew Wallace High School in 1964. She is a graduate of Indiana University, earning both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Education.

Margie was married to her childhood sweetheart, Fred “Perky” Rhodee Cottrill in 1968 at St. Joseph The Worker Catholic Croatian Church in Gary, IN.; the two also made their first home in Gary. The couple relocated to Baytown, TX in 1975. Perky accepted a position as a Systems Analyst with US Steel. Margie made a loving home and cared for their young son Chris. The family was complete in 1980 with the arrival of daughter, Katy. The family enjoyed traveling, visiting with relatives and friends, attending church and kids activities. Following the unexpected loss of Perky in 1985, Margie poured her efforts into her children. Not long after, Margie’s mother fell ill and the family temporarily relocated back to Indiana while Margie assisted in the care of her mother. All the while Margie maintained a nurturing environment for her children and always stressed the value of an education. An education for her children and grandchildren was always a priority and keeping with this, Margie or “Gram” as she was referred to by her grandchildren, always showered them with books and read to them. Margie worked as an elementary school teacher as a Reading Specialist for the Dickinson Independent School District where she retired in 2015. Margie enjoyed gardening, cooking and all aspects related to family. She was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend.

She was preceded in death by her husband Fred “Perky” Cottrill, brother Sammy Kucan and her parents Sam and Marge Kucan. Survived by: sister, Madaline Jaundzems of San Francisco, CA; brother Carl Kucan of Valparaiso, IN; daughter and husband, Katy and Jeffrey O’Neal of Houston; son and wife, Chris and Amanda Cottrill of Coppell, TX; 4 grandchildren, Natalie and Matthew of Houston, TX, and Alex and Lauren of Coppell, TX. For those desiring, memorials may be given to The American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, or a charity of one’s choice. The family will receive friends from 4-8 p.m. Wednesday, August 11, 2021 at Earthman Funeral Home in Baytown, TX. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Thursday, August 12, 2021 at Earthman Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will be at White Cemetery, 11011 Crosby Lynchburg Rd., Highlands TX.