Barbara E. Cottam

Cottam, Barbara (Johnson), 85, of North Providence passed away on March 28, 2016 surrounded by her loving family. She was the beloved wife of the late Earl F. Cottam. Born in Providence, Barbara was the daughter of the late Gustaf and Bessie (Foster) Johnson. Mrs. Cottam was a graduate of North Providence High School and received both her Bachelor's and Master's degrees from the University of Rhode Island where she was a member of Sigma Kappa. She worked for 30 years as a home economics teacher in Barrington and Providence public schools and was a member of the Fruit Hill Junior Women's Club and the Fruit Hill Garden Club.Barbara was a devoted mother and grandmother who had an infectious laugh and a love for travel. She showered her family and friends with kindness and love, and cherished adventures with her grandchildren. Barbara was an accomplished seamstress and knitter, and enjoyed gardening. She is survived by her two daughters, Barbara Cottam Garrahy and her husband John of Providence and Patricia Cottam Bancroft and her husband Edward (Ted) of Marion, MA; a son, Earl F. Cottam, Jr. (Ty) and his wife, Kathleen Burke Cottam of Narragansett; and eight loving grandchildren, Katherine and Elizabeth Garrahy; Hilary, Caroline, Edward Jr. (Ted) and Andrew Bancroft; and Michaela and Michael Cottam. Barbara is also survived by her sister Eunice Johnson Hindley and her brother-in-law Jay Hindley. Her funeral will be held on Saturday, April 9, 2016 from the Russell J. Boyle and Son Funeral Home, 331 Smith Street, Providence at 11:30am with a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Augustine Church, Mt. Pleasant Avenue, Providence at 1:00pm. Burial will be at Swan Point Cemetery at a later date. Calling hours are Friday, April 8 from 4-7 pm. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Barbara's memory may be made to the Alzheimer's Association of Rhode Island, 245 Waterman Street, Suite 306, Providence RI 02906.Visit boyleandsonfuneralhome.com for more information and online condolences.