Lillian Cottingham

In Loving Memory of Lillian Frances Patricia Cottingham
(née Hingston / Jewitt / Nesling)

March 18, 1923 – March 19, 2026

To have arrived as a delicate 2.5-pound baby and then lived to become a healthy great-grandmother can be attributed to one thing—the goodness of the Lord. Patricia entered peacefully into the joy of the Lord on March 19, 2026, surrounded by family. She will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered by all her family and friends.

Lillian Frances “Patricia” Cottingham was born on March 18, 1923, as the sixth child of Joseph and Alice Hingston in Cavell, Saskatchewan. She remained in Saskatchewan until her Grade 12 year, when she was invited by an aunt to come to live in Victoria, British Columbia, to finish her schooling.

Patricia met Bill Cottingham, and they were married on September 7, 1942. They had four children born in Victoria; Raymond, Marilyn, Cyril and Marianne.

At thirty-three years old, Patricia attended Normal School to become a primary school teacher. Upon moving to the Comox Valley in 1957, she had the joy of teaching kindergarten and elementary students for 26.5 years. She retired in 1983 as a well-loved teacher.

Her life was not without trials and heartbreaking loss, but she looked to the Lord for strength and pursued a life lived to the fullest. Her days were brimming with activity and a sparkle that only she could bring into each room she entered.

Patricia thoroughly enjoyed her retirement, prioritized family, and made many friends at the pool, senior centres, music groups, Bible camps, drama clubs, church groups, and Bible studies.

With her accordion, she was able to accompany the Evergreen Choristers and visit many care homes each month, as well as take time for travel and cruises, and support her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren in their many celebrations, sporting events, and music recitals through the years.

By the grace of God, she was gifted 103 years that were brimming with joy, generosity, and spontaneity. Patricia also had a genuine desire to share her faith and to leave a legacy of care to her family, friends, and all who knew her.

Patricia was predeceased by her daughter Marianne (1957), husband Bill Cottingham (1990), husband Bill Jewitt (2002), son-in-law Bill Webster (2014), son Raymond Cottingham (2022), daughter-in-law Terry Cottingham (2024), grandson Jordan Webster (2024), and her husband John Nesling (2025).

She is survived by her daughter Marilyn Webster; son Cy Cottingham and daughter-in-law Gladys Cottingham; along with many stepchildren, 9 grandchildren, and 22 great-grandchildren.

The family is grateful that Patricia was able to remain at home with her husband, John Nesling, in her final years, and then in the faithful, attentive care of her daughter Marilyn until her 103rd birthday.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to all who supported Patricia in her final years at home, with special thanks to Dr. Hoselton; Christine (lovingly known as “Stella”); the kind VIHA care team; CHWS home support team; Comox Valley Hospice Society; the Medicine Shoppe; and Toneff Funeral Home for their unwavering care. They are also deeply grateful to family and friends who visited faithfully and to those who sent flowers, meals, and cards.

Family and friends are invited to join us in remembering our dearly loved mother, stepmother, grandmother, great-Grandmother, aunty, and faithful friend at a celebration of life service:

Date | Saturday, May 23, 2026
Time | 11:00 a.m.
Location | Courtenay Fellowship Baptist Church, 2963 Lake Trail Road, Courtenay, BC

Ladies are invited to wear some “glitz” or sparkle in Patricia’s memory, and all are welcome to join the family for a light lunch following the service at the same location.

In lieu of flowers, charitable donations may be made to the Comox Valley Hospice Society or a charity of your choice.