Marguerite "Civi" Cotter

Marguerite “Civi” Cotter, 81, of Melbourne, Florida, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 5, 2026, at Viera Hospital in Melbourne. Civi was a long-time resident of Hyde Park, NY, where she lived for over 40 years before moving to Florida.

Born on September 15, 1945, in New York, NY, she was the daughter of the late Francis J. Cividanes and Dorothy Seaman Cividanes.

Civi devoted her life to education, creativity, and community service. A graduate of NY City College, she went on to earn both her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees from the State University of New Paltz. For 31 years, she served the Spackenkill Union Free School District as an Art Teacher, inspiring generations of students at both the middle and high school levels. She retired in 2000, leaving behind a legacy of encouragement, imagination, and kindness.

She was a proud member of the Spackenkill Retired Teacher’s Association, the American Association of University Women (AAUW), and a lifetime member of the Spackenkill PTA. She also served on the Board of Directors for the New York State United Teachers RC 13 Council, reflecting her deep commitment to her profession and colleagues.

In retirement, she continued to share her artistic gifts with the community through Civi’s Creations, her ceramic arts business. Her handcrafted pieces were sold at local craft shows and cherished by many.

On January 19, 1980, in Hyde Park, NY, she married Cornelius J. Cotter, who predeceased her in 2018.

Survivors include her brother, Gerard Cividanes; sister, Christine Wolfman; and niece, Tina Lynn Wolfman, all of Melbourne, FL; nephews, Richard Cividanes (Suja) of California and Steve Cividanes (Nicole) of Washington State; along with extended family members and friends who will forever remember her artistic spirit.

In keeping with her wishes, cremation has taken place.

Memorial visitation will be from 11 AM to 2 PM, Saturday, November 14th at Sweet’s Funeral Home, Rte. 9, Hyde Park.

Marguerite’s family respectfully requests memorial donations to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741 (American Cancer Society).

To send an online condolence, or for directions, please visit Marguerite’s obituary page at www.sweetsfuneralhome.com.