Mary Elizabeth Cottingham

Mary E. Cottingham was born November 1, 1926, in Hastings, NE, to Jay T. and Gladys (Murray) Cottingham. She died August 27, 2013 in Elkhorn, NE. At her request, Mary was cremated immediately. A memorial service will be held at Skyline Retirement Home, 7350 Graceland Dr. in Omaha, at 10 AM, Friday August 30, 2013. A private inurnment will take place at the family’s plot in Hastings. Mary attended Hastings High School and graduated in 1944. She was active in school plays and skits at Convocation programs and was secretary of Kosmet Klub, the honorary dramatic organization. She was on the staff of the school paper, The Tiger Cub, where she sold advertisements to Hastings businesses. Mary was elected president of Girl Reserves her senior year. From 1944-1946, Mary attended Stephens Junior College for Girls in Columbia, Missouri, and then transferred to the University of Nebraska where she was affiliated with Delta Delta Delta sorority. She also became a member of Nebraska Masquers Chapter of National Collegiate Players. After earning her degree, Mary taught English two years in Nelson, NE, and also directed plays and built props. Between her first and second years in Nelson, Mary became a member of Chapter DA, P.E.O. and a member of Acacia Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, both in Hastings. She continued her memberships in Hastings, where she was a sixty three year member. Mary moved to New York City to join sorority sister after she left teaching. While in New York City, Mary became an assistant to the Vice President of Amos Parrish and Company, merchandising consultants. She remained in New York until December 1959, when she returned to Hastings to assume responsibilities as the new secretary of the Cottingham Lumber Companies, with headquarters in Hastings. Mary moved to Omaha, where she took graduate courses at U.N.O. and taught English at Central High School. In 1988, after teaching 25 years, Mary retired. Until the year 2002, Mary spent long hours refinishing old furniture and renovating her Happy Hollow home, which was in need of considerable repair. After undergoing numerous surgeries as a result of debilitating arthritis, Mary sold her home and moved to Skyline Retirement Community. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Jay T. and Gladys (Murray) Cottingham, two brothers; Donald T. and Bruce W. Cottingham, as well as cousins, aunts, and uncles. She is survived by Faye W. Cottingham, sister-in-law; nieces Catherine and Elizabeth, and Catherine’s son, Timothy, all of Texas, and niece Suzanne Bergeron of Lake Oswego, OR. Memorials may be sent to a charity of the Donor’s choice, or the Skyline Foundation Benevolent Fund, where they will be appreciated.

Mary Elizabeth Cottingham

November 1, 1926 - August 27, 2013