Erin Louise Cotterell

Erin Louise Cotterell, age 55, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Friday, June 13, 2025, at her home in Mansfield, Massachusetts. Erin lived with cancer for over three years. Born in Bethesda, Maryland on June 2, 1970, she is the daughter of Linda Sibley Williams and Anthony Cotterell. Erin was raised in Vestal, New York, where she attended Vestal High School. Grandma & Grandpa Sibley were an important part of her childhood, where she learned how to play the Banjo with Grandpa Sibley.

While in school, Erin got her start in the hospitality industry, taking a serving position with Vestal Steakhouse. Following her graduation in 1988, she continued her journey in the hospitality industry. She enrolled in courses at Broome Community College in Binghamton, New York, taking classes to build her resume to advance her career.

Erin worked in the hospitality industry for her entire career in operations and training; eventually becoming an instructional designer working for major brands like TGI Friday’s, Chili’s, Bertucci’s, Dunkin Brands, Panera, Toast and most recently Union Square Hospitality. She always resided in the Northeast, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, and Rhode Island. Throughout the years at work, she built many long-lasting relationships and was always a steadfast and loyal friend. Work friends became life friends. She was a hardworking woman who would light up a room with her charisma and fun-loving nature. She shined bright like a diamond. (Better faux than no.) Generous and kind, Erin would grab something you eyed in her house and stow it in your car for you to take home. She was one of the best, always the first to help in any situation.

In 2013, Erin met the love of her life, Kevin E. Burke, and the couple settled together in Mansfield, Massachusetts. She made beautiful relationships with Kevin's beloved children Andrew, Dylan, and Kaylee. Three years later, on March 26, 2016, Erin and Kevin tied the knot, celebrating with family and friends. Erin was thrilled to be married to Kevin and crowned herself the kids’ "Bonus Mom". Erin loved her new role, supporting and encouraging her "Bonus Kids" at every step. She and Kevin became grandparents and were so proud to welcome Jason, Savanna, and Vivian to the family. She was now known as “Grandma Erin” .

Throughout her life, Erin was known for her creativity and zany antics to make people laugh, if it were a company-wide ditty to remind us of the time change or to dressing up as Buddy from Elf to spread Christmas cheer. She could make anything fun. Erin was also known for her gorgeous blonde hair (or lavender or frosted or brown) and sparkling warm smile. Erin was a fashionista. She somehow always whipped out a glam bag that could cover an entire table with hair products to whip up herself and friends in seconds. Her creativity and ability to organize a celebration on short notice was magical. Everything she touched turned to gold and glitter. Erin helped make beautiful decorations for the kids’ weddings, baby showers, and holidays.

Erin was determined to help keep their daughter Kaylee's spirit alive after her passing in 2022. She created t-shirts for National Suicide walks for the whole family to bring everyone together in honor of Kaylee. Also, Erin sought out a special seamstress to create a beautiful baby blanket incorporating some of Kaylee’s clothes with matching baby material to capture the sweetness and memory of Kaylee – forever tying Kaylee to her niece, nephews, and family.

Erin loved music and knew the lyrics to every musical and most songs too. She could sing all of Hamilton from memory and DID! Erin was clever beyond words, and with words. She could change lyrics magically off the top of her head and leave us all laughing at our morning company voicemails. She loved a good Karaoke machine and probably bought several on Amazon. Amazon shopping and Tik-Tok scrolling provided hours of zen for Erin with many, many random purchases - still unopened. Her love of music and shopping was only matched by her love of reality TV. There was not a Bravo show that she did not love and convinced Kevin to love too. She would curl up on the couch with her beloved dogs and binge watch – there was nothing better for her. She warmly opened her home to any animal; taking in just one more rescue to be loved.

Mostly Erin loved her people, she was like family to many and will always be remembered as Auntie Pearl, Air and Erwin. Everyone who knew her, loved her. She certainly was one of a kind.

Beloved wife of Kevin E. Burke. The most loving Mom to their rescue dogs Tanner, Kai, Willow, and the late Scout and Meko.

Loving Bonus Mom to Andrew K. Burke and his significant other, Samantha Cummings, of Blackstone, Dylan T. Burke and his wife, Brittany, of Wrentham, and the late Kaylee S. Burke. Cherished Grandma to Jason, Savanna, and Vivian. Devoted daughter of Linda (Sibley) Williams and her husband, Chris, of Endicott. New York. Sister to Bridgette Hancy and her husband, Tim Hancy, of Texas, and Zane Cotterell of Florida.

Aunt to Katie Grove and her partner, Scott Montgomery, of Binghamton, New York, and Sara Hancy of Texas, and the late Benjamin Hancy and great aunt of Milo.

Also survived by her Godchild Caroline and “Auntie Pearl” to Katie, Jenny, Tara, Christine, Maura, Michael, Danny, and Jamie. Erin also loved, embraced and left behind extended family, countless precious friends, their families, and colleagues.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Erin's Celebration of Life on Sunday, June 29th, 2025, from 1:00 - 4:00 pm at the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole.

A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, June 30th, 2025, at 11:00 am at The Original Congregational Church of Wrentham, 1 East Street, Wrentham Center. Burial will take place at Wrentham's Centre Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Erin's name may be made to MSPCA at MPSCA-Angell, Attn: Donations, 350 South Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02130 or by visiting https://www.mspca.org/donate-now/