Racine- Kathryn “Kay” (nee: Rotkis) Cottone, age 77, beloved mother of Vicki Cottone-Schultz and devoted Nana of Sidni Schultz, passed away at her home with Vicki and Sidni by her side.
Kay was born August 31, 1938 in Racine, WI, the daughter of the late Mike and Agnes Rotkis. She graduated from St. Catherine’s High School – class of 1956.
Her first job was in the financial industry as a bank teller at American Bank and Trust Co. However, she sought greater opportunity and became a secretary working for a number of companies in Racine, including Johnson Wax, Belle City Malleable, Massey Fergusen and Walker where she worked in the research development department. Kay decided to change careers again and get back in the financial field, this time as an accountant. Although it was difficult being a single parent, Kay went back to school full time and in two years received her associate degree in accounting from Gateway Technical College. She joined Modine Mfg. upon graduation as a Sr. Accounting Clerk. Her first day was December 19, 1977. She felt very fortunate to have had the opportunity for several promotions; to Jr. Accountant, General Accountant, Financial Analyst, Financial Accounting Supervisor then Financial Accounting Manager. While working full time and raising a daughter Kay went back to school to earn a four year BA in accounting and business management from Carthage College. Kay’s career with Modine spanned 23 years retiring August 31, 2000.
Kay had several hobbies that she enjoyed. She was an avid reader, enjoyed gardening and watching tennis on TV. She also enjoyed watching the Packer games with Vicki. Her favorite time of year was Christmas and it gave her great joy to make the holidays very special for Vicki and Sidni.
What gave Kay her greatest joy in life was spending time with Vicki and Sidni. Kay, Vicki and Sidni did everything together and had the strongest bond ever! She was not only a devoted mom and best friend to Vicki she was an amazing role model. Kay was a strong determined loving woman. Kay was an amazing Nana to Sidni. Sidni was the light of her life. Sidni and Nana spent part of everyday together. Kay spent countless hours volunteering at Sidni’s school in the lunch room, the book fairs and as a Girl Scout Leader. One of her favorite activities to do with Sidni was to bake. She taught Sidni how to bake and passed on some of her favorite recipes to Sidni. Sidni enters these recipes in the Racine County Fair every year. Sidni and Nana also shared a love of reading. She was Sidni’s biggest cheerleader and attended all Sidni’s activities since she was born. She especially loved to watch Sidni skate; whether it was in the ice show, her lesson or competing at her synchronized skating competitions. Kay was so very proud of the beautiful young woman that Sidni has become. She believed that Sidni would go on to do great things.
Kay LOVED Disney (Mickey Mouse in particular)! Kay, Vicki and Sidni took several trips to Disneyworld together usually for several weeks at a time. It was their favorite place in the world. Her favorite ride was It’s a Small World. Kay made sure that Vicki and Sidni had the chance to experience everything on these family vacations. These memories of the Disney trips are priceless.
Kay was preceded in death by her parents, her brother John and oldest sister Rose. She is survived by her daughter Vicki, granddaughter Sidni and sister Monica Ply and several nieces and nephews.
A memorial service celebrating Kay’s life will be held at Draeger Langendorf Funeral Home on Wednesday December 9, 2015 at 6:30 pm with Rev. Allen Bratkowski officiating. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Wednesday from 4:30-6:30 pm.
And always more than anything, we will remember you in your love that still lives within our hearts…
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