Dianne Cottrill devoted her life to caring for others

Dianne L. Cottrill was born on February 12, 1941, in Loves Park, Illinois. She was the daughter of Melvin and Helen (Cody) Heiden. Dianne passed away on May 22, 2023 at her home in Rockton, with her family by her side.

She was a graduate of Rock Valley College with an associate degree in nursing. Diane was an emergency room nurse at Swedish American Hospital for 22 years and worked at UDL Laboratories for 12 years.

She married the love of her life, Paul B. Cottrill, in Rockford on April 30, 1977. Dianne was a member of St. Thomas Church in Beloit. She enjoyed gardening, watching the birds, and traveling, especially to Ireland.

Dianne cherished the time spent with her husband, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She was known for being intelligent, kind, loving, organized, and always had things put together well.

Survivors include her loving husband of 46 years, Paul Cottrill; children, Cheryl Cooper, Dan (Sharon) Cooper, Steven (Amy Kakavas) Cooper, Linda (Craig Olafson) Cooper; stepdaughter, Kim (Jim) Guirlando; ten grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; and two sisters, Merilyn and Nancy. She was predeceased by her parents and brother, Bill.

A mass of Christian burial will be held on Tuesday, May 30, 2023 at St. Rita’s Catholic Church, 6254 Valley Knoll Dr., Rockford, Illinois, 61109 with Rev William Wintink officiating.

Visitation will take place prior to mass beginning at 10 a.m. Burial will follow the service in Arlington Memorial Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital.

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