Dolores M. Cotter

Dolores "Dee" Maria Cotter, beloved mother, sister, aunt and friend, passed away in peace on Monday, January 23, 2017, at her home in Fort Lauderdale, FL, ultimately losing a well fought battle with lung cancer. She was 66 years old.

Dolores was born on December 14, 1950, in Fall River, Massachusetts, to Emeril "John" Lagasse, Jr. and the late Hilda Medeiros Lagasse.

Dolores loved being outdoors and enjoyed playing tennis and riding her bike. She enjoyed the companionship of close friends and frequently socialized with them. She also loved going to restaurants and was an active member of the Moose Lodge in Lauderdale Lakes. Dolores was an avid traveler and especially enjoyed listening to Calypso music by the ocean. Above all, she adored and loved spending time with her son, Jason.

Both fans of the Dallas Cowboys, the Florida Gators, and other sports teams, they would frequently attend sporting events together and always had lots of fun.

Dolores loved spending time with her brothers and their families as well, and frequently visited them in New Orleans. She always had the most fun on the dance floor singing and dancing the night away.

A strong and resilient woman, Dolores faced many hardships throughout her life but never let them define her as a person or get in the way of life itself. She could tell a story with her eyes and light up a room with her smile and her contagious laugh. Her personality was warm and endearing and she was a sweet and thoughtful friend.

Dolores spent most of her professional career as a bookkeeper. She had a knack for numbers and strong knowledge of finance. She truly loved her work and her co-workers.

Dolores was a breast cancer survivor for more than 17 years and actively donated to various charity organizations. She was a strong supporter and advocate of the American Lung Association.

Her strength continues to impact those she leaves behind.

The family would like to especially acknowledge the Oncology team at Holy Cross Hospital, as well as, the nurses, aids and staff that cared for her throughout her battle and helped her during her toughest times.

She was preceded in death by her mother Hilda and her late husband Robert Leo Cotter.

She is survived by her father, Emeril "John" Lagasse, Jr., her son, Jason Robert Cotter and (fiancé) Jillian Helen Medeiros of Fort Lauderdale; her brothers, Emeril John Lagasse, III, and wife Alden Lovelace Lagasse of New Orleans.

Mark Joseph Lagasse, and wife Wendi Medeiros Lagasse, also of New Orleans. She is survived by several nieces, a nephew, two great nephews and a great niece. She is also survived by many beloved family members and close friends who will miss her dearly.

A service in her honor will be held Friday, February 3, 2017, at Horizon Funeral & Cremation Services, located at 4650 North Federal Highway, Lighthouse Point, FL

33064. Open visitation will begin at 1:00 PM end at 3:00 PM , a memorial service will follow.

In Lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made directly to:

Holy Cross Hospital's Bienes Comprehensive Cancer Center

c/o Development Department

4725 N. Federal Highway

Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33308

Or by phone: 954-229-8562

For more information please visit http://www.horizonfuneralcremation.com/obituary/177761/Dolores-Cotter/ or email her daughter-in-law Jillian at [email protected].