Mary Christine Cottine

BRIGGSVILLE / MOUNT HOREB - Mary Christine Cottine, age 84, of Briggsville, passed away on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at Agrace HospiceCare. She was born on October 28, 1940, in Dodgeville, Wis., the daughter of Leo Gilbertson and Vivian (Peterson) Gilbertson.

Mary cherished her time growing up in Barneveld and attending a two-room schoolhouse. She graduated from Barneveld High School in 1958. She married Harold Helwig on April 1961. In September 2010 Mary and Craig Cottine were married.

Mary worked in the insurance industry for numerous insurance companies including Dairyland, Viking and Pekin, and Jullie Allord and Associates in various roles from administrative to sales. Mary also was involved in a part-time business with Craig in “The Neon Connection” and another called “Today’s Secretary.” Mary retired from the business world in 2013. Mom often posted on Facebook about watching the Milwaukee Brewers, often with “coaching advice”

Mary loved making her home on the farm a warm and welcoming place. She loved baking and spending time with her family and friends and would always put their needs first. She cherished conversations with her loved ones and was always attentive and enthusiastic about what they shared with her. She was also known for her love of music and played piano from a young age.  Mary was a proud Norwegian, a fast driver and could find humor in just about anything. During her retirement years she enjoyed canning, music, reading, discussing politics, making dandelion wine and the annual “Salsa Adventure” as she called it. She will be remembered as someone who gave selflessly in the care and concern for others.

Mary is survived by her husband, Craig H. Cottine; daughter, Shelly Anders; sons, William Helwig and Steven Helwig; grandchildren, Whitney (Erick) Sperleon, Hannah (Roberto Mora), Dakota Helwig, Hunter Helwig (Kelsey Anderson), Mia Schroeder-Oyler, Chayse Helwig, Vincent (Olivia) Anders, Jake Anders, Leo Helwig and Viviana Helwig; great-grandchildren, Brynlee Anders and Olivia E. Mora; sister, Linda (Eugene) Budd; and many nieces and nephews, including nieces, Betty and Janice Cottini from California; and nephew, Dale Cottine, his two children and multiple grandchildren from Briggsville. She was preceded in death by her parents, Leo and Vivian Gilbertson; brothers, Donald Gilberston and David Gilbertson; daughter-in-law, Nancy Krahn-Helwig (William Helwig); brother-in-law, Leo Cottine (Helen (Poppie) Cottine); and nieces, Gail Cottine (Underhill) and Nancy Gerike (Mike) from Baraboo.

A funeral service will be held at GUNDERSON CAMACHO MOUNT HOREB FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 500 N. Eighth St., Mount Horeb, at 3 p.m. on Saturday, September 6, 2025. A visitation will be held at the funeral home from 1 p.m. until the time of the service on Saturday. A celebration of life will follow at BUCK & HONEY’S (Martinson Hall), 108 S. Second St., Mount Horeb, from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Saturday.

Memorials can be made in her name to Agrace Hospice.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Mount Horeb
Funeral & Cremation Care
500 N. Eighth St.
(608) 437-5077