Stella Mae Cottone

Stella Mae Cottone, 92, of Anna, died Monday, Jan. 24, 2022, at 12:55 a.m. at Liberty Village Manor Court in Carbondale.

She was born on Feb. 23, 1929, the daughter of Blaine and Mabel Killman Foster.  

She married Eddie Cottone on Oct. 10, 1948, enjoying almost 66 years of marriage, prior to Eddie’s passing in 2014.

She worked hard outside the home at the shoe factory, Union County Hospital in Anna and home health, but her favorite career by far, was serving her family.  

All family and friends who visited the home of Eddie and Stella never left with an empty stomach or empty heart.  Everyone was welcome, but above all, the children.

She was a homemaker, wife, sister and mother to Eddie, David and Dixie.

Survivors include her son, Eddie Cottone (Beverly) of Mena, Ark.; daughter Dixie Travis Georgantas (Chris) of Carbondale; daughter-in-law Judy Cottone of Centralia; seven grandchildren, Chance Cottone (Angela McGee-Cottone), Jeremy Travis (Shannon), Wendy Laws (Josh), Stephanie Girard-Cartier, Michael Cottone (Holly), Scott Cottone (Aina) and Lauren Niermann (Tim); 11 great-grandchildren; great-great-grandchildren; her sister, Lucy Sprague; and nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Eddie Cottone Sr.; a son, David Cottone; a great-granddaughter, Gracie Niermann; and a brother-in-law, Tom Sprague.

A graveside funeral service was held at the Anna Cemetery on Thursday, Jan. 27, at 1 p.m.  A celebration of her life is being planned for a later date.

Memorials can be made to the Illinois Veterans Home in Anna or to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Crain Funeral Home Anna-Jonesboro is in charge of arrangements. 

Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” Proverbs 31:28-29