Marilyn Joan 'Jo' Cottrell

Marilyn Joan "Jo" Cottrell (nee Smith) of Vermilion, passed away Friday, May 13, 2016, at Mercy Hospital following a lengthy illness. Jo was born June 3, 1935, in Lorain, OH. She grew up in Vermilion where she attended public schools. After high school, Jo went on to attain her professional license as a Laboratory Technologist. Jo moved to Florida where she raised her family. During her forty-five year career, she worked in a variety of medical and doctor offices throughout Florida, retiring from Clewiston Regional Medical Center. She returned to Vermilion, OH, in 2000 after her retirement and the death of her husband, John W. Cottrell, Jr. She then became an official Snowbird wintering in Florida and summering in Vermilion. Jo enjoyed her family, fishing and camping, reading, embroidery, and crafts, and she really enjoyed ice cream with chocolate sauce. She was skilled and scary with power tools and not afraid to take on household projects. She was active in the Vermilion Amvets Ladies Auxilliary. Jo is survived by her children: Douglas Blackmer (Perri), Tampa, FL; David Blackmer (Linda), Louisville, KY; Esther Lynn Blackmer, Gainesville, FL; Marijo Schneider (Dan), Sarasota, FL; John W. Cottrell, III (Elvia), Clermont, FL; Billy Cottrell (Cheri);Homer, GA; Geary Cottrell (Sarita), Ft. Meade, FL; sister Ellen Rowland (John), Vermilion; 17 grandchildren; 2 great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews, and her dog, J.D. Jo was predeceased by her husband, Johnnie Cottrell, parents Richard and Esther Smith (nee Aldinger), brothers Dick and Terry Smith, and sister Deborah Poff. A memorial service will be held Friday, May 20th at 2:00 p.m. at Riddle Funeral Home, 5345 South Street, Vermilion. Family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to: New Life Hospice, 3500 Kolbe Road, Lorain, OH 44053, or a charity of your choice. Online condolences may be made at www.riddlefuneralhome.com.