Bernice Elizabeth Cottrell

Bernice “B” Cottrell , age 102. Passed away peacefully at her home, Saturday, January 21, 2023 surrounded by her loving family. B. was born July 8, 1920 at her parent’s home in Detroit to Helen ( Nee Coffield) and Alexander Yaeck. She grew up at that home on Manistique Avenue on Detroit’s east side. She attended St. Ambrose School, graduating in 1938. After High school, she worked for Dr. George Waldbott as a lab assistant. To support the World War II effort, she worked at the Essex Wire Corporation as the Executive Assistant to the Plant Manager. As the War drew down, she served as her husband’s Executive Secretary at Sampson Naval Base. After raising her family, B. began a retail career at the Village store on the Hill and later at Jacobson’s in the Village. She devotedly served as a docent for many years at the Detroit Institute of Arts. She also was an active member of the St. Paul Altar Society’s Sewing Group as well as a volunteer gardener at St. Paul’s. During her lifetime, she enjoyed tennis, sailing, and traveling to Europe. Most recently, she enjoyed reading, listening to different music genres, and studying a variety of subjects. Mrs. Cottrell is survived by her daughter, Anne Alexis Benenati; her son, John Hayes Cottrell (Nancy); her grandchildren, Jennifer ( Werner Gruber ) and Brian Cottrell (Sarah) ; and many beloved nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband , Hayes Leo “Bud’ Cottrell; son, Kim Leo Cottrell; brother, Paul Yaeck: and her sister, Vera Boutin. Her son in law William Benenati ,Her treasured friend Barbara Hamlin Unger B. was profoundly grateful for her strong Christian Faith, her devoted family and valued friends and her good health throughout her long life. A funeral Mass for the immediate family will be celebrated at St. Paul Catholic Church in Grosse pointe Farms. Internment will be in St. Paul’s Columbarium. Solanus Casey Center, 1780 Mount Elliott, Detroit, MI 48207 or Rosa Parks Art Studio at the Capuchin Soup Kitchen, 4390 Conner, and Detroit, MI 48215 will gratefully accept memorials