Helen L. Cotter

Born in New Bedford, a daughter of the late Albert E. and Helen L. (Chace) Entwistle she was a lifelong city resident and a communicant of the former St. Mary’s Church, New Bedford.

Mrs. Cotter worked for Sears for 37 years retiring in 2009. In her spare time, she enjoyed puzzles, Souko, knitting, and most of all spending time with her grandchildren. She was a member of the St. Mary’s Women’s Guild and the Women’s Health Initiative for over 20 years.

She is survived by her children, Joseph M. Cotter and his wife Lisa of Sandwich, MA, Stephen W. Cotter of Buxton, ME, and Kathleen Cotter Montegut and her husband Alain of West Bath, ME; her four grandchildren, Patrick Cotter, Kevin Cotter, Sara Montegut, and Daniel Montegut; four great grandchildren; a brother, Donald Williams and his companion Joan Smyrski of Jefferson, ME; three sisters, Joan Bavoux of Somerset, MA, Gail Gamage of South Bristol, ME, and Diane Tefft and her husband Robert of Sutton, MA; and several nieces and nephews. She was the sister of the late Edward Entwistle, Raymond Williams, Paul Hubert; and sister in-law of the late Arnie Gamage and Roger Bauvoux.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Helen’s honor may be made to: St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TV 38105 or Paralyzed Veterans of America, P.O. Box 758589, Topeka, KS 66675.

Her visitation will be Wednesday, June 17, 2026 from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. in the Rock Funeral Home, 1285 Ashley Blvd., New Bedford, MA 02745 followed by Mass of Chrisitan at 11 a.m. in St. Gabriel the Archangel Church, 343 Tarkiln Hill Rd., New Bedford, MA 02745. Burial in Pine Grove Cemetery. For online tribute/directions: www.rock-funeralhome.com