In Loving Memory of Gai Cotter
February 27, 1936 – June 21, 2025
Gai Cotter, age 89, of Novi, Michigan, passed away peacefully on June 21, 2025, surrounded by love and family. Born on February 27, 1936, in Miami, Florida, Gai lived a life defined by joy, compassion, and an unwavering devotion to others.
Gai's zest for life was evident in all that she did. Whether tending to her beloved garden, traveling the world, playing golf, or enjoying a good game of BINGO or a challenging jigsaw puzzle, she approached each day with energy and enthusiasm. A lifelong animal lover, Gai found deep fulfillment in her volunteer work with the Michigan Humane Society, where she lovingly cared for animals at the shelter and opened her home to foster countless cats and dogs over the years. Her heart for service extended to Beaumont Hospital as well, where she served faithfully in the gift shop and later in personnel records.
One of Gai's greatest accomplishments was raising five successful children. She devoted herself wholeheartedly to nurturing their unique personalities and dreams, all while maintaining a warm and loving home, volunteering in her community, and working part-time in various roles. Her strength, support, and humor were the foundation upon which her family flourished.
Gai was a proud alumna of Florida State University, where she participated in the Marching Band before leaving to marry her sweetheart, Fred C. Cotter. The two shared 66 beautiful years together until Fred's passing in 2022. Their enduring love and partnership served as a model to all who knew them.
Gai was a longtime member of St. Genevieve – St. Maurice Catholic Church in Livonia and a devoted member of the Women's Sodality. Her faith and deep sense of community were cornerstones of her life.
Gai will be dearly missed by her children: Theresa (Paul) Osburn of Pinckney, Barbara Wallin of Plymouth, Michael Cotter of Livonia and his longtime girlfriend Kim, Susan (Lee) Srebnik of Alpena, and Diane (Paul) Hornik of North Myrtle Beach, SC. She was the proud grandmother of Gregory Duncan-Osburn, Douglas and Matthew Wallin, Brandon Srebnik, and Stephanie (Jesse) Riley, and the joyful great-grandmother of Cassidy O'Dor, Gavin Duncan-Osburn, Gracin Duncan-Osburn, and Gavin Srebnik. Gai is also survived by her cherished caregivers, and many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She is preceded in death by her beloved husband Fred and her brother Viggo Paul Conradt-Eberlin.
Those who knew Gai will remember her as social and outgoing, fun-loving, adventurous, generous, and always kind. Her home was a place of warmth, laughter, and welcome—a reflection of her generous spirit and open heart.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 24, from 4–8 p.m. at O'Brien-Sullivan Funeral Home, with a family-led sharing of memories at 7 p.m.
A brief committal service will be 10:30 am Wednesday, June 25, 2025 at Great Lakes National Cemetery, (4200 Belford Rd. Holly) where she will be laid to rest beside her beloved Fred.
In honor of Gai's memory, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association www.alz.org or the Michigan Humane Society www.michiganhumane.org —two causes close to her heart.
Gai's legacy of love, kindness, and joyful living will remain forever in the hearts of those blessed to have known her.