1922
2017
Jeannette Clara Cotter (Bonneton) born 95 years ago in Eastern France passed away peacefully at home in Old Lyme CT on May 15, 2017.
Jeannette led a very active life which got started when studying for a Baccalaureate in Philosophy in Paris on June 15,1943 she was interrupted by the rapid entrance of the Wehrmacht in the Capital that day. She left Paris within the hour heading homeward East only to find herself eventually behind enemy lines. Because of her knowledge of the local Argonne forest she became a horseback courier for the resistance and handled the repatriation of downed Allied airmen through enemy lines. Jeannette received the Legion of Honor for her activities in the Resistance.
In the Fall of 1946 she met her husband Charles C. Cotter of NYC (former G3 intelligence operative in General Patton's 3rd Army) who had stayed in Paris after the war to study Philosophy at the Sorbonne. They married in Paris in the Spring of 1947 but during the honeymoon were asked to go to Budapest to manage CARE operations there. A year later the Russians invaded Hungary and they escaped via Vienna to Eastern France. Over the next 2 years Charles set up Care operations in Belgium and Holland with Jeannette handling a heavy administrative load. .
Upon returning to Boston in 1950 where Charles pursued a degree in International Law at Fletchers, she became a US citizen. Thereafter, as Charles rose within the Mobil Oil corporation she assumed all the responsibilities of an international corporate wife during their extended assignments in Senegal, Ivory Coast, Republic of Congo, Holland and Italy spanning a total period of 26 years.
Around 1955 Jeannette discovered Wilson Point, So. Norwalk through summer rentals and eventually bought 3 acres there in 1960 upon which they built their house in 1962. It was to be her US home base for the next 54 years.
Jeannette was always a very active person and loved Tennis, Paddle Tennis, Skiing (snow and water), organizing big dinner parties and especially dancing. In the late 80's she was President of the NYC Waltz club. In the 90's she gravitated towards Contract Bridge and became an active player in the Fairfield County circuit. She kept up her Bridge playing skills until she was 94, driving herself (weather permitting) to the neighboring Old Lyme Country Club.
Jeannette is survived by her two sons Patrick and John, 3 grandsons Alexander, Andrew and Geoffrey and her favorite great granddaughter Pia. She will be greatly missed for her liveliness and positive spirit by all who knew her.
A Memorial Service will be held at the United Church of Rowayton CT on June 13 at 1 pm. Memorial donations may be sent to the Center for Hospice Care, 227 Dunham Street, Norwich, CT 06360.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by William and Gertrude Merkle .
June 6, 2017
So happy and grateful to have known Jeannette and Charlie Cotter, and dear Madame Bonneton. So sad to mourn them.
We will never forget the gracious hospitality of their large round table crowned with Jeannette's elegant guests and meals.
Trudy and Bill Merkle, Old Greenwich, CT Tuesday, June 6, 2017
June 2, 2017
Eileen and Kim
Our thoughts and condolences, Patrick, Madeleine and family.
June 1, 2017
We fondly remember Jeannette as "The Matriarch" of the Cotter Family. When we visited her, she always shared with us her remarkable life and adventures in France, Europe and West Africa. To us she represented a woman of great strength and courage. We are grateful to have been a part of her life and will remember her ALWAYS. Chester and Patricia Cotter
May 31, 2017
Cherie Price
Thinking of the Cotter family at this difficult time. I am so thankful to have met Jeannette! She was a remarkable woman and I look forward to hearing more stories of her full and interesting life. What wonderful memories you all share! With love,
May 24, 2017
olivier poussin
Chère Jeannette, vous étiez avec Charlie indissociables dans la vie , dans la vraie vie !Vous furent nos oncles et tantes d'Amérique, accueillant volontiers vos neveux et nièces venus de France. Votre forte personnalité, votre douce présence tranquille, votre dignité permanente ont été votre marqueur quotidien emprunt de gaité, de bienveillance, de conseils couronné d'un accueil "à bras ouverts".
Saint Augustin nous rapporte cette pensée:
"Je suis moi, vous êtes vous,
"Ce que j'étais pour vous, je le suis toujours !
"Le fil n'est pas coupé !
"Pourquoi serais-je hors de vos pensées
"Simplement parce que je suis hors de votre vue ?
"Je ne suis pas loin, juste de l'autre coté du chemin !"
May 20, 2017
Jeannete etait un merveilleux exemple de ce que la "vieille France" avait de meilleur a offrir, un savoir-faire aiguise par l'experiece des temps de guerre. Elle etait une grande dame qui avait connu
l'exaltation d'aventures dangereuses et de pays lointains. C'etait un plaisir d'etre en sa compagnie, de l'ecouter se souvenir, bien sur, d'un passe riche en anecdotes mais aussi de partager sa joie de vivre dans le present. Leigh et Pierre Bognon
May 19, 2017
Stephanie Flanagan
To personally know Jeannette was to be inspired by her love of life and her strength and grace under pressure. Being
with Jeannette was like being witness to some of the most pivotal events of the 20th century. I will miss her dearly.
May 19, 2017
barbara de Frondeville
What a life Jeannette led! I met her late in that life, but she had lost nothing of the zest which characterized her, and the charm and graciousness which made her a welcome guest everywhere she went. She will be sorely missed.
May 17, 2017
Lots of love, Elsie and Link Wheeler
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