Nancy Blanche Cota

Nancy Blanche Cota, passed away at her home in Manassas, VA, Friday, Feb. 28, 2014. Age 78 years. The daughter of the late Julia Blanche (Coash) and Frederick William Case Sr., she was born Dec. 28, 1935 in Saginaw, Michigan. She married Andy Duane Cota of Big Rapids, Michigan, Aug. 25, 1956, in Saginaw. He passed away Nov. 11, 1993 in Lovells, Michigan. She was a graduate of Arthur Hill High School in Saginaw, and received her BA in journalism from the University of Michigan. She lived in Elyria, Toledo and Columbus, OH from the time of her marriage until Andy’s retirement, then Lovells, MI. After her husband’s death she moved to Manassas, VA to be near her grandchildren. Nancy had a keen intellect and was passionate about journalism and politics. She loved to read, especially mystery novels. She and Andy were avid gardeners, and their gardens were featured in the Columbus garden tour for nearly a decade. She loved northern Michigan, the outdoors and seeing new places. She loved word games and especially loved thumping her children at Scrabble. Most of all, she loved her husband, her family and her cats. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Stephen A. and Sara J. (Colflesh) Cota; daughter and son-in-law Jennifer E. and Robin M. Ashby, grandchildren Angela C. Cota, Daniel A. Cota, Heather E. Ashby, Matthew M. Ashby, and Nicholas A. Ashby; brother and sister-in-law Win L. and Mary (Richir) Case; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Gary and Karol (Krass) Cota; nephew David Case; nieces Julie Swieczkowski, Mary Lou Case, Susan Case, Kathy Case, Caroline Orsini, Amy Case, and Rachael Cota; daughter-in-law’s mother and good friend, Myra Colflesh; by Patches and Tigger; and by a host of friends around the country who will forever miss her independent spirit and her generous heart. She was preceded in death by her brother and sister-in-law, Frederick W. Case Jr. and Roberta (Burckhardt) Case. Funeral service will take place 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 5,2014 at the Pierce Funeral Home, 9609 Center Street, Manassas, VA. Friends may call at the chapel from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Sunday. There will be a separate memorial in Saginaw in April, where her remains will be interred. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider donations to their chosen animal rescue organization or charity for the blind.

Nancy Blanche Cota

December 28, 1935 - February 28, 2014