Pia Cottini

Long time Palmer resident Pia Catterina Cottini, 98, went to be with our Lord on April 23, 2024 surrounded by family and friends. The excellent care provided by Pia’s doctor, the nurses and staff at the Palmer Pioneer Home will always be remembered. Pia was born in Hilt, CA on February 24, 1926 and moved to Craveggia, Italy with her family at the age of 2, where she grew up in the Alps bordering Switzerland. Pia was the third oldest of six siblings. She worked hard with her family raising farm animals and hiking/skiing in the Alps. After WWII, Pia moved to Connecticut in 1947 to live with relatives. In Connecticut she worked in the Underwood Typewriter factory.

Pia married Helmuth “Jim” Cottini May 3, 1953 in Castro Valley, California. Pia and Jim grew up together in Craveggia, Italy. During October 1953 they drove the Alcan Highway to Alaska where they lived and worked with Helmuth’s father Victor Cottini at the Little Susitna Lodge in Hatcher Pass. In 1954 they purchased 160 acres from BLM at Mile 5 of the Palmer-Fishhook Road. There they worked alongside each other to build their home and raise their three children. She ran a greenhouse and garden business for 25 years. She was an excellent cook and an expert sculptor of Hatcher Pass soapstone and of Colorado alabaster. She was talented in sewing, knitting, painting, silver smith jewelry making, and beading. She also enjoyed hunting and fishing.

Pia’s husband; Jim of 64 years passed away in 2017. Pia is survived by her youngest sister Zita of Craveggia, Italy, sons Marc (Marina) and Pio (Bonny), daughter Tina (Fred), grandchildren Randy, Angie (Joel), Mario, Blaine, Great Grandchildren Kealeb, Maelee, Reagan, and Riley all residing in the Mat-Su Valley. Her family said, “Pia was the matriarch of our family who loved us with all her being and will be extremely missed”.

Pia was preceded in death by her husband, parents, brothers Amerigo and Italo, sisters Alma and Angelina, and grandson Dennis. Please join us and share your memories of Pia at a Celebration of Life to be held on Tuesday, June 18, 2024 downstairs at the Best Western Lake Lucille Inn, 1300 W. Lake Lucille Dr., Wasilla, AK, from 2-5. In lieu of flowers please donate to your favorite charity.