March 15, 1945 - August 13, 2021
Kathleen Janet Nelsen Cotten, loving mother, sister and grandmother, died August 13, 2021, with family by her side, at McKee Medical Center, Loveland, CO with Pathways Hospice.
She was born March 15, 1945, in Chicago, IL, to Howard Ernest Nelsen and Ann Maxwell Bain Nelsen. She was raised in the Chicago area until the age of five, when her family moved to Indianapolis, IN. She graduated from North Central High School in 1963 and attended Ball State University for two years, with her studies focused on art.
Beginning in 1955 her family took annual summer vacations to the YMCA of the Rockies, in Estes Park, CO, of which she always had fond memories, including the long drive in the summer heat with her brothers. She worked at “The Y” during her summers in college and this is where she met, and eventually married Mark Vaughn Gregg in 1965. They had two sons together, David and Mark, and raised them in Loveland, CO, eventually moving to Estes Park in 1979.
Kathleen chose to stay in Estes Park after divorce, where she met and married Ronald Cotten in 1982. Kathleen and Ron lived in Estes for several years, and beginning in 1988 they owned and operated Cottenwood House Bed and Breakfast.
Kathleen was artistic and creative, with an ability to see and create unique and stylish home decor with a combination of Victorian and country influence that was exhibited throughout the Bed and Breakfast. She also had a passion for, and extensive knowledge, of antiques and collectibles All of her homes were immaculately decorated with a mix of these treasures reminiscent of her tastes, European travels and Scottish/Danish heritage.
The Bed and Breakfast also allowed her to show her creativity and talent in cooking. She always served wonderful breakfasts and fresh baked goodies with lemonade or tea for the afternoon. When she wasn’t preparing food and treats for guests, she loved to plan intimate dinner parties and Rockwellian holiday feasts for her family.
In Estes Park, Kathleen was an active member of Antiquarians since 2012, enjoyed singing in the Chorale, and she and Ron were long time members of the Presbyterian Community Church.
Kathleen’s biggest passion was her family. She was a devoted mother and grandmother who loved all her family and enjoyed any chance she had to just spend time with them, laugh and share stories. When her boys were in high school, she would even occasionally ride the swim team bus. She would say it was to save driving by herself, but in reality it was another chance to share time with her sons. She truly enjoyed watching her grandchildren grow up, creating memorable moments with each grandchild to build special and unique lifetime loving bonds.
Kathleen is preceded in death by her parents, Howard and Ann, and her husband Ronald. She is survived by two brothers, Roger Nelsen of Portland, OR, and Mark Nelsen and his wife George Ann of Leander, TX; her two sons David Gregg and his wife Stephanie of Red Feather Lakes, CO, and Mark Gregg and his wife Bobbie of Banks, OR; Step-son David Anstey and his wife Jennifer of Louisville KY; four grandchildren, David Jacob Gregg and his wife Shelby of Loveland, CO, Angelina Gregg of Fort Collins, CO, Mark Austin Gregg of Banks, OR, and Sydney Gregg of Kennewick, WA; along with many cousins and nephews.
Kathleen always had a saying “don’t forget”. She started used this when her sons were young and she didn’t want to embarrass them when dropping them off or saying good bye. What it really meant was “don’t forget….I love you.” Well, her family never forgot, we all love you too!
The family will be hosting a Time of Remembrance for Kathleen on Friday, October 8th, 1 pm at the Ponder Chapel, YMCA of the Rockies, 2515 Tunnel Rd, Estes Park, CO. A private family spreading of ashes will follow at a later date. In lieu of flowers, Kathleen was especially fond of the Larimer County Humane Society, and remembrances in her memory can be made to them at 3501 E 71st St, Loveland, CO 80538, or www.larimerhumane.org.
