Joan Judson Cotter

Joan Judson Cotter, age 91, passed away peacefully in her home on Thursday, May 29, 2025. She was born on August 27, 1933, daughter of the late Marian Colby Judson and Wesley Michael Judson of Erie. She was a lifelong resident of Erie and a winter resident of Sanibel Island, FL. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of the Covenant. She assisted her husband Joel Cotter in the family business, Erie Fence Inc. and became its president in 1993.

In addition to her parents, Joan is preceded in death by her aunt and uncle, Lilian and Vince Veenschoten, and nephew, William Wicks.

She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Joel Cotter; her son, William Judson Cotter of Erie; two grandsons, Wesley Judson Cotter and Everett Thomas Cotter, both of Erie; a cousin, Judith Magyar of Greencastle, IN; two sisters-in-law, Judith Pelinsky of Erie and Sue Wicks of Clarks Summit, PA; a nephew, Scott Pelinsky of Erie; and one niece, Roberta Flynn of Scranton PA. She loved her garden, books, photographs and most of all, her family.

The Cotter family would like to express their gratitude to “Joan’s girls,” Kristie, Kayse, Ashley and Antoinette, who assisted Joan in her final days.

In keeping with her wishes, all services were private and held at the convenience of the family.

Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church of the Covenant, 250 W 7th St, Erie, PA 16501, Erie City Mission, 1017 French St, Erie, PA 16501, or the charity of one’s choice. Arrangements entrusted to Burton Quinn-Scott Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc., 602 West 10th St.