Isabell (Ladison) Cota

Isabell (Ladison) Cota, 95, of Canton, died in the home of her daughter, where she was under the care of family and Hospice early Tuesday morning, February 16, 2021. She had been in declining health.

Isabell was born August 10, 1925 in Ogdensburg, a daughter of the late Charles and Mable (Martin) Ladison. Isabell began employment with St. Lawrence County, retiring after many dedicated years. On August 22, 1945, Isabell was married to Harold Cota at the Baptist Church. Together, the couple raised their family and shared a love that spans a lifetime.

Family was her core value. Following the early death of her mother, she helped raise her siblings, which turned out to be great training for seven of her own. Once again, tragedy struck and Isabell and Harold would lose a daughter, Roxanna at the age of 26 and they would then take in three of their grandchildren to raise. Isabell was the corner stone for the Ladison family and the main support for the Cota family.

She loved adventures and family trips to Arizona, Wisconsin and New Hampshire. They also took family trips to Florida, Cape Cod, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia and to Hawaii, where she parasailed at the age of 90! She had a special interest in painting scenic landscapes.

Her memory of family tales was so vivid, right down to her description of people, styles and backgrounds. She had a memory like no other, such vivid stories. Finally, some words of Isabelle wisdom, “Snoring is music from heaven”, “The world will shape you”, “Just make due in the time of need” and most importantly and still so accurate, “Walk in their shoes before you speak about someone”.

Isabell is survived by five children, Diane (John) Freego of Canton; Leroy (Karen) Cota of Gilbert, Arizona; Pamela (Raymond) Smithers of Green Bay, Wisconsin; Keith (Patricia) Cota of New Hampshire and Kevin (Patricia) Cota of Canton; 16 grandchildren, two step-grandchildren and two siblings, Evelyn Cota and Lackey (Gloria) Ladison and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her beloved Harold and parents, Charles and Mable; Isabell is predeceased by three children, Roxanne McGregor, Linda Cohen and Kimbal Cota; three grandchildren and two siblings, Charles Ladison and Marion Thomas.

Calling hours will be held on Saturday, February 20, 2021 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm at the O’Leary Funeral Home, Canton. A funeral service will also be held on Saturday, beginning at 6:00 pm at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice and Palliative care of the St. Lawrence Valley, 6805 US Highway 11; Potsdam, NY 13676 or to the Potsdam Animal Shelter, 17 Madrid Ave., Potsdam, New York 13676.

Memories and condolences are encouraged online at www.olearyfuneralservice.com. Arrangements for Mrs. Isabell Cota are under the care of the O’Leary Funeral Service of Canton.

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