PAULINE ‘MIN’ COTTAM

Pauline (“Min”) Cottam (Usciski), 89, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Oct. 14, 2010 at the Pioneer Ridge Home for the Aged in Thunder Bay, Ont.
Pauline, also known as “Min” (and Melina or Lena), was born Jan. 3, 1921 to Tony and Mary Usciski in Rainy River, Ont.
She lived with her parents, six brothers, and two sisters on their farm north of Rainy River. She attended the Atwood #12 school, where she met the love of her life, Norman Cottam.
She was married to Norman on Dec. 1, 1941 at Red Deer Lodge in Nestor Falls, Ont. and started their life together, raising two children–son, Brian and daughter, Phyllis.
She and Norm worked side by side at Red Deer Lodge until Norm’s untimely death on Nov. 3, 1966.
Min remained an active owner of Red Deer Lodge until she made the decision to “try something different.” She worked at the Maple Leaf Gift Shop and the Nestor Falls Tourist Information Centre for several years.
Min was a member of the Nestor Falls United Church and was active with the U.C.W., as well as serving on the church board for 12 years.
Min enjoyed her life in Nestor Falls, and being active. She loved gardening, curling, and crafts and, above all, the family gatherings at holiday times. She was a wonderful cook and her specialty was her “Green Tomato Pie.”
She also enjoyed visiting with her family in Sudbury and Thunder Bay, especially when the grandchildren and great-grandchildren started to arrive.
She was a very loving and caring person, and will be greatly missed.
She eventually moved to Emo, Ont. and lived at the Golden Age Manor for three years, where she enjoyed her time with many friends.
In 2001, she moved to Pioneer Ridge in Thunder Bay closer to her daughter, Phyllis. She spent 10 wonderful years at Pioneer Ridge, where she remained active and happy, and always put a smile on the staff’s faces.
She is survived, and will be lovingly remembered, by her son, Brian in Sudbury, Ont. and daughter, Phyllis (Morris) of Thunder Bay, Ont. She also is survived by five grandchildren (Joanne, Norm, Kevin, and Lindsey; and Ashley) and nine great-grandchildren (Stephen, Chelsea, and Ian; Matthew, Benjamin, Lara, and Ella Joy; and Cole and Kaitlyn).
She also will be remembered by many relatives of the Cottam, Helliar, and Usciski families too numerous to mention.
She was predeceased by her husband, Norman, in 1966 and now will be reunited with him.
A memorial service to celebrate Min’s life will be held Saturday, Oct. 23, 2010 at 11 a.m. at the Nestor Falls United Church.
Cremation has taken place, with interment to take place at the Norman Cottam Memorial Garden Cemetery following the service and luncheon.
If friends so desire, in memoriam donations to the Nestor Falls United Church or the Alzheimer Society would be greatly appreciated.
Online condolences may be offered at www.nwfainc.com