Barbara Jaskot Cotter

(1919-2021)

Barbara Jaskot Cotter was born in the small farming community of Sidney, Montana on December 3, 1919, and passed away peacefully in Reno, Nevada on November 19, 2021, surrounded by her family. Barbara loved and was loved by her large family. She had five brothers and sisters, eight children, fourteen grandchildren, and eighteen great grandchildren. There were many other wonderful people who joined the family through informal adoption and marriage who loved her and were loved by her. Barbara was a devoted Catholic her entire life and always chose to follow God’s path.

Barbara was always taking care of others. In fact, one might say it was her life’s work. She ran the gift shop at Saint Michael’s Catholic Church in Reno for almost forty years. She was a member of the Ladies’ Guild and was constantly volunteering at the church. She made sure every one of her kids got a good start in life. She graciously allowed several of her grandkids to live with her during their college years. She was always hosting family events, and it was a struggle to get her to sit down and eat at these events because she was happily taking care of everyone else. Even when her time was close, she was still trying to take care of others by offering to buy her visitors dinner or offering to share her own dinner with them. She never viewed this as a burden. Instead, Barbara took great joy in trying to ensure the happiness and success of others.

Barbara did take time to do things which she enjoyed aside from taking care of others. She was an avid reader and watched many of the various iterations of Star Trek. Well into her nineties, Barbara did water aerobics regularly, loved hiking, painting, and took tai chi. Barbara also enjoyed taking classes at the local elder college. Barbara lived on her own terms and in her own home until almost the age of 102 and was full of joy and life.

Barbara’s husband (James) and two of her children (Susan and Garrett) will greet her as she arrives in Heaven. Barbara is survived by her brother Joe; six of her children, (Peter, Susan’s husband), Barbara, Jim (and Dyan), Mary, Tim (and Gretchen), Tom (and Katie), and Bill (and Jen); fourteen of her grandchildren, Justin, John, Jimmy, Katie, Joe, Jared, Chris, David, Devyn, Scott, Matt, Jacob, Micaela, and Meara; and eighteen of her great grandchildren.

The Rosary will be prayed at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, December 3rd at Walton's Ross, Burke and Knobel, 2155 Kietzke Lane, Reno, Nevada. Barbara will be celebrated with a funeral Mass at Saint Michael's Catholic Church on December 4th at 10:00 a.m. followed by her internment at Our Mother of Sorrows Catholic Cemetery and reception in Father Wright Hall. All family and friends are welcome.