Lorette F. Kottas

KOTTAS - Lorette F. (nee Rousset) Lorette Frederique Rousset Kottas passed away at the age of 92 on May 13, 2020. Born to Marcel and Maria Rousset (Colignon) in Paris, France on May 28,1927, she was raised in her beloved Saint Tropez (Provence) France. She arrived at New York Harbor in June of 1947 as a war bride and settled in Buffalo, New York. Later she became a single parent; but worked tirelessly to provide a good life for her children with the help of her parents. She was an outstanding role model for her children who will never forget her late nights, hard work and perseverance. She took much joy in taking each of her seven grandchildren to France to share the love and beauty of her birthplace. These shared adventures instilled in them a love of travel and French culture. She loved to knit for her children and grandchildren as well as for some of their dolls. Her recipes, passed down over the years, are a great reminder of our shared good times. She had countless beautiful qualities; among them, her love and appreciation of others, her compassion and empathy and great sense of humor. Even deep into the late stages of Alzheimers, she maintained her humor and was enjoyable to be around. She will be deeply missed by those who welcomed her company and thoroughly enjoyed her kind nature and sweet disposition. Her children and family always looked forward to the gatherings at Thanksgiving and Christmas. Lorette worked for Buffalo Picture Frame for 47 years where she developed a deep appreciation of art and became owner and operator in 1985. Out of necessity, she learned to drive at the age of 60. She leaves behind her children, daughter Jacqueline Kottas Nitsche (David), son Patrick R. Kottas (Donna), and Marilyn Kottas Smith (Robert O. Dengler) as well as seven grandchildren, Marc Nitsche (Julie), Eric Nitsche, Katherine Kottas, Mallory Kottas, Scott A. Smith, Sean P. Smith (Kelli), Lindsay E. Smith, and nieces Lorette Rousset and Danielle Doser, and her childhood friend Mimi Gattus, who all live in France. She also leaves behind eight great-grandchildren, Matthew, Madison, Noelle, Haley, Dylan, Aidan, Vaila and Niko. Services were privately held.