Patricia Ann Cotten

Patricia Ann Cotten passed away peacefully on May 3, 2025, at 7:10 PM, at the age of 88. She was surrounded by love and the enduring devotion of her family.

Patricia was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, and raised in Chicago, Illinois, a city she often referred to as magical. She later made California her final home, where she spent her last years surrounded by dear friends at The Chateau and her cherished companion Don McNitt.

Patricia was married twice—first to Randy Knapp, with whom she had her daughter Kathy Perez, and later to Jerry Lamar Cotten, with whom she had her daughter, Mary Resenbeck.  Lamar adopted Kathy Perez.

She was a dedicated mother, a proud grandmother, and was the heart of a large, loving family. She is survived by her daughters Kathy and Mary, her sons-in-law Scott Perez and Douglas Resenbeck; her grandchildren Gerry, Christopher, Joseph, Robbie, Douglas, Alexis, Brian, David, Valerie, Kimberly, and Grace, and her great-grandchildren Benjamin, Jason, Scarlett, Violet, Vienna, and Alex.

She was a beloved sister to Linda deMille, who fondly remembers Patricia’s high school years at Los Angeles High School, where she shared classes with Dustin Hoffman.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Kathryn Julia Morrison; brother, John J Morrison; her biological father, John Merrell; and her loving daddy, Ted Morrison, who raised her.

Patricia was a devoted aunt to Johnny, Joey, Suzy, Lisa, Sydney, Linda, Jackie, Heidi, Patty, Amy, Sherry, Honey and Bonnie, all of whom adored her.

She began her career at the Auto Club. Later she worked as a full charge bookkeeper for a construction company in the San Fernando Valley in CA. In Houston, Texas she built a successful career in real estate and advertising. After moving to Connecticut, she continued to pursue her advertising career. Upon moving back to California, she resumed her career in advertising and sales. Throughout her various careers she was admired for her strength, independence, and exceptional style. She had a sharp wit, an effortless sense of class, and a magnetic presence that turned heads wherever she went.

Patricia was a woman of style, grace, and substance. Her legacy lives on in her family and the many lives she touched with warmth, strength, and sparkle.

Services

A private celebration of Patricia’s life will be held at 2PM on June 28, 2025, at 40024 Harveston Drive, Temecula, California 92591.