Barbara Jean (Giannette) Cottage

Barbara Jean (Giannette) Cottage passed peacefully into eternal rest Tuesday, August 26.

Born on September 27, 1939, to the late Rocco and Josephine (Solomond) Giannette, Barb grew up in a close-knit, multi-generational Italian home in Pittsburgh’s Oakland neighborhood. In 1962, she married Donald Paul Cottage Sr., and together they built a life and raised their family in Franklin Park, Pennsylvania, where Barb was a beloved resident for more than 60 years. She was a devoted parishioner of St. James Catholic Church in Sewickley.

Barb is survived by her children: Donald Cottage Jr. (Foxborough, MA), Jeannette Whited (Thompsons Station, TN), and Michele (David) Huerbin (New Sewickley, PA). She was a proud grandmother to Edward John (EJ) Cottage II, Emma Redican Cottage, and Jefferson Whited. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Doretta (Cottage) Moss, along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her sisters, Mary Jo Rudman and Anna Marie Mezinze, and by her father- and mother-in-law, Edward John and Esther Hazel (Ford) Cottage.

After overcoming a childhood illness, Barb was inspired to pursue a career in nursing. She earned her BSN from Seton Hill College and went on to serve at both Pittsburgh and Sewickley Valley Hospitals, where she also worked as a nurse educator. She later retired as a case manager from Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield.

Barb will be remembered as the ultimate “mama bear”—a fierce protector and loving supporter of her children and their many friends who were welcomed into her home. She was admired for her strength, independence, generosity, and her gift of caring for others. And, of course, her famous pizzelles will be remembered by all who were fortunate enough to enjoy them.

Visitation wlll be held at R.D. Copeland Funeral Home, Irvine Chapel, 702 Beaver St. on Tuesday, September 2nd from 5 - 8 pm. A Prayer Service will be held at the funeral home at 10 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. at St. James Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Little Sisters of the Poor, the Arthritis Foundation, or the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank.

Eternal rest grant unto Barbara, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Barbara Jean (Giannette) Cottage, please visit our floral store.