COTTER, Helen

Helen Velonis Cotter passed away on Saturday, October 18, 2003 at the age of 40. Helen was a former resident of Phoenix and had made Prescott, AZ her home. She attended St. Thomas the Apostle Elementary School, Camelback High School, ASU and NAU. She is survived by her husband Paul; son, Michael-Paul; daughter Alyssa; sisters, her favorite DIANE, Kathy, Marie, Linda; brothers, Tom, Chris, Vince, Ted, Tim, Victor, Jim and Greg; and father-in-law, Earl Cotter. Helen was preceded in death by her mother, Mildred (Millie) Sinnott Velonis and by her father, George Velonis. Services have been held. Helen Cotter, 40, born March 14, 1963, passed from this life - on October 18, 2003. She lived her life with her husband, Paul, of 21 years, and two precious children, Michael-Paul, 18, and Alyssa Jade, 14. Their strength and integrity are a reflection of the wonderful mother Helen was. This family was the center of her life, and being a wife and a mother brought her great joy. Helen was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona. She attended St. Thomas the Apostle Elementary School and Camelback High School. Helen received a Bachelor's Degree in Education from Arizona State University, and a Master's Degree in Education from Northern Arizona University. Helen's first teaching job was at Awakening Seed Private School in Tempe, Arizona. She taught at Knox Elementary School in Chandler for seven years. In 1996, the Cotters moved to Prescott. Helen taught Kindergarten at Washington Traditional School for two years, then transferred to Taylor Hicks Elementary School, where she taught fourth grade. She was also involved in the youth programs at Sacred Heart Parish. Helen loved spending time with her family. Her love of the ocean took them to California frequently. Camping was a favorite activity for the family. Second only to spending time with her family, Helen loved to teach. She was highly regarded as an educator by her peers, students and parents. Her gift to reach and motivate students was immeasurable. She expected the best from her students, and in her loving and nurturing way, she helped them reach their highest potential. At age 37, Helen was diagnosed with breast cancer. Her spirit, faith and determination were an inspiration to all who knew her, as she battled this disease. She proudly ran in the "Race For The Cure" in October of 2001, as a cancer survivor. At age 39, the cancer had metastasized. Against enormous odds, Helen continued the fight with the assistance from the doctors at the Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center. She was an inspiration to her doctors, who were amazed at her perseverance and bravery to regain a healthy life. A memorial service to honor and celebrate Helen's life will be at 10:00 AM., Saturday, October 25, 2003 at St. Germaine Catholic Church, 7997 East Dana Drive, Prescott Valley, Arizona. Fr. John Shetler will officiate. A private interment will follow at a later date. Donations are suggested to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, P.O. Box 650309, Dallas, Texas, 75265-0309. Published in The Arizona Republic on October 24, 2003