Tributes paid to mother and E&S supervisor who died in her sleep
A much-loved mother of two described by her family as an "angel" has died suddenly at the age of 43.
Karen Cotterill, the payroll supervisor at the Express & Star, died in her sleep after suffering a brain haemorrhage at home in Colman Avenue, Wednesfield, on February 2.
Just six days later, her husband Neil Cotterill lost his 80-year-old father to cancer.
Paying tribute to his wife today, he said: "My wife was a very busy lady but always had time for other people.
"She was an earth angel who always put others before herself. You never saw her without a smile on her face. She had a heart of gold and never had a bad word to say about anybody."
The couple married on June 26, 1993, and have two children, Liam, aged 16, and 13-year-old Callum. Mrs Cotterill was born in Short Heath where her parents Terry and Sylvia Jones still live. Her sister Wendy has a home in Burntwood.
Mrs Cotterill worked in the payroll departments at both United Pressings and Fabrications in Walsall and the RAC at Bescot where she became payroll supervisor. After being made redundant she joined the Express & Star as payroll supervisor at its Wolverhampton head office in October 2006.
She enjoyed caravanning with her family both in the UK and abroad and was a very active member of the South Staffordshire Centre of the Caravan Club. She and her family also have a strong connection with the Wolverhampton Boat Club in Barnhurst Lane, Pendeford, and a celebration of her life will be held there after her funeral.
Mrs Cotterill was Brown Owl with the 1st Short Heath Brownie Pack for over 20 years.
Her funeral will be held at Holy Trinity Church, Short Heath, at 2pm next Wednesday. This is where she and her husband got married and where Liam and Callum were christened. It is also where 1st Short Heath Brownies HQ was based. The funeral will be followed by a committal at Bushbury Crematorium at 3pm.
All of her family and friends are invited to attend and they have requested colours to be worn. Family flowers only are requested but donations can be left at the church, with all the donations going to its repair fund.
