Caroline Cotter

Caroline Grace Rose Cotter

The Ohio State University ROTC Senior Cadet Major S3 Battalions Operations, Grace, 21 years old, Columbus resident, our shining star, radiating a bright light to others, sadly left her earthly home too soon on Sunday, December 17, 2017. Grace was a force, a powerhouse of devotion to all she touched. Grace Cotter honored her Catholic Faith and spent her own limited funds to works of charity, particularly as President of the ROTC non-profit, CASH-A.

An exceptional horsewoman and dressage rider, Grace’s heart went out to all animals. Grace, an honors student, was dedicated to her Ohio State pre-veterinary medicine studies in Animal Science and Biosciences and volunteered over 200 hours at the OSU Veterinary Medical Center and was elected President of the OSU Pre-Veterinary Medical Association and selected as moderator at the Midwest Veterinary Conference.  Based on high academic achievement she was selected to serve her ROTC internship in the Army Medical Department (AMEDD) at Aberdeen Proving Grounds researching infectious diseases.

Grace held office in OSU student organizations: President and founding member of CASH-A (Cadets against Sexual Harassment and Assault), Treasurer of the OSU Horseman’s Association, Vice President of OSU Student Council and Editor of the College of Food, Agriculture and Environmental Sciences department newsletter. Grace moved the “Good Samaritan Policy” past the Undergraduate Student Government so students would not be charged with a crime when reporting a Sexual Assault at OSU. Grace moved CASH-A to train, inform and give Cadets and students at OSU the tools to successfully intervene in high risk situations. She brought a Rape Aggression Defense Training special clinic to her Battalion and everyone on campus.

Cadet Cotter’s excellent leadership skills as a junior was selected to lead a Platoon as a MS III over several senior cadets who had completed advanced training.  She built a mentorship program in Bravo Company First Platoon and led Cadets in multiple tactical training exercises as a member of ROTC Scabbard and Blade. Grace also served in the Converse Guard and she received the German Armed Forces Proficiency Medal. Grace applied to OSU Veterinary School and was granted an interview.

“Gracie” to her family and friends is the beloved, cherished daughter of Daniel Cotter (Strongsville, Ohio) and Linda Cotter (Grafton, Wisconsin). She is survived by four siblings, Christopher, Charlotte, Cathleen and Charles who deeply miss their baby sister.

Grace, an involved and active confirmed Catholic served as both Lector and Eucharistic Minister in her home parish.  There will be a celebration of her life at Masses held at OSU and one in her home state, Wisconsin. Monday, January 8, 2018 at the OSU Campus St. Thomas More Newman Center: Visitation at 10:00 AM, Funeral Mass at 11:00 followed by a Reception. 64 West Lane Avenue, Columbus, Ohio. www.buckeye.catholic.com. Flowers can be ordered through University Florist, http://www.osuflowers.com 614-421-1600.

Funeral Saturday, January 13, 2018, at St. Francis Borgia Church North, 1375 Covered Bridge Rd, Cedarburg, WI. Visitation 10:00 am followed by Mass at 11:00 am. and reception to follow. 262-377-1070. Flowers can be ordered through The Bloomin's Olive LLC, Grafton, WI, www.blominolivellc.com 262-376-1404.

The family has requested that donations in Grace's name be made to CASH-A.  To make a donation, please make checks payable to The Ohio State University Foundation Fund #313087, 1480 West Lane Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43210.  Donations may be made online at giveto.osu.edu.