Melanie Elizabeth Cottrell

Melanie Elizabeth Cottrell, 68, of Bayville, NJ, passed away after a long and brave battle with cancer on Sunday, March 13, 2022, at Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune. Melanie was born in Jersey City on March 7, 1954, to the late Frederick and Sophie (Gal) Molzon. She was raised in Brick before moving to Bayville in 1980.

Melanie graduated from Brick Township High School in 1972 and received a bachelor’s degree from Georgian Court University in 1976. Prior to starting her family, Melanie worked in the biology laboratory at Georgian Court. She became a homemaker and was dedicated to her children’s activities and education, ever an active member of the PTA and spectator at tennis matches and soccer games. Melanie later worked for the Berkeley Township School District and retired from being a secretary in the Department of Transportation several years ago. Her favorite part of her job was helping families at Kindergarten Registration each year.

Melanie was a loving wife, a wonderful mother, and a devoted “Babci” to her three grandchildren. She enjoyed boat rides on Barnegat Bay, walks around Berkeley Island, swimming anywhere she could, and a good book with a cup of tea. Her grandkids will always remember going to the ocean, getting ice cream, and getting tucked in at night by Babci.

Melanie is survived by her husband of 41 years, Dale W. Cottrell of Bayville; her children Elizabeth (Thomas Atkins) of Catonsville, MD and Christopher (Melissa Rod) of Avon, NC; her cherished grandchildren Charlotte, Elliott, and Claire Atkins; her brother Gregory Molzon (Karen); many cousins and lifelong friends, including her “personal shoppers”.

A viewing will be held Friday, March 18 from 5-8 pm at Anderson & Campbell Funeral Home, 703 Main St., Toms River, NJ 08753. Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 19 at 10 am at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Maplewood Cemetery, 169 W Main St., Freehold, NJ 07728. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Melanie’s memory to the Berkeley Branch of the Ocean County Library 30 Station Road, Bayville, NJ 08721 or the Westchester Elementary School PTA (Catonsville, MD).