Louise (McGuire) Cotter, 96, of Milford, passed away peacefully on January 10th, surrounded by her family just days before her 97th birthday. Born on January 16, 1928, in Framingham, she was the last surviving sibling of six born to Archie and Grace (Willis) Maguire.

Louise was a devoted wife to the late John Richard Cotter for 65 years until his passing in 2013. She was a beloved matriarch, known affectionately as "Mama" to her eleven children: Michael Cotter of Milford; Donna Swett and her husband, William, of Nampa, Idaho; Cheryl Frazier and her husband, Alexander, of Maynard; Steven Cotter and his late partner, Joanne Kane of Lexington, NC; Thomas Cotter and his wife, Laura, of Franklin; Robert Cotter and his partner, Robin Butler, of Northwood, NH; Jean Nannicelli and her husband, Richard, of Antrim, NH; the late Joan Poulson and her husband, Benjamin, of Stow; Diane Brewer and her husband, Roy of Millbury; the late John Cotter and his wife, Patricia, of Uxbridge; and Susan Rondeau and her husband, David, of Milford. She cherished her role as "Nana" to28 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren. In addition to her children and their families, she is survived by her dear sister- in- law, Jackie McGuire of Sudbury.

Family was everything to Louise; her unwavering commitment to her loved ones defined her life. Together with her husband, "Papa," they created cherished childhood memories for their children. Among those most treasured were the simple pleasures of Sunday rides to go apple picking, leaf peeping, visit relatives, or to simply get an ice cream cone. Holidays and school vacations bring back memories of family trips to Santa's Village, Purgatory Chasms, Nantasket Beach, and Lake Raponda in Vermont.

Louise was the quintessential homemaker. She enjoyed cooking and preparing meals for her family with Sunday dinners being a particular highlight. All of her eleven children remember waking up to a hot breakfast each morning before school, along with quarters lined up in a row on the kitchen table, one for each of them to take with them to purchase school lunch. Upon returning home from school, they could always rely on a homemade treat of Jello, tapioca, or cups of pudding neatly arranged in the refrigerator waiting for them.

One of her favorite pastimes was crocheting. It would be difficult to find a single family member who has not received at least one of her signature afghans. Each was a labor of love. Not only did she enjoy making afghans for others, but she enjoyed sharing her craft and taught several friends and relatives how to crochet as well.

"Mama" also loved Christmas. She embraced the spirit of gift-giving wholeheartedly. Despite her growing family, she made sure that each and every member of her family received a gift from her each year. This past Christmas, just weeks before her passing, over 50 family members received an envelope from "Nana Cotter" containing her traditional photo Christmas card and a gift certificate to a local fast food restaurant or a lottery ticket.

During her rare moments of spare time in the evening, Louise enjoyed reading. She particularly enjoyed mysteries and romantic novels and never hesitated to share her collection of books with others. In later years, watching her "favorite shows" on TV became part of her evening routine. She rarely missed an episode of Blue Bloods and regularly watched Hallmark movies and reruns of Andy of Mayberry.

Louise epitomized the essence of motherhood. She was the model "Mama" and set a remarkable example of love and support for her family that truly inspired others. She leaves behind fond memories - too numerous to share, and a lasting legacy of love and friendship.

A funeral service will be held Friday Jan. 17th at 11:00am in the Chapel of the Matarese Funeral Home, 325 Main St. in Ashland. Calling hours will be held Thursday from 4:00-7:00 PM in the funeral home. Donations may be made in her name to the Framingham Heart Study.