Dayna Joan Cotter of Broken Arrow passed away on Sunday, August 22, 2021, at St. Francis Hospital in Tulsa, at 54 years of age.
She will be sadly missed by her parents, David and Joan Cotter, and her siblings and their spouses, Debbie and Paul Lewis of Broken Arrow, David and Jeanette of Silver Spring, MD, Michael and Ellen of Steubenville, OH, Father Stephen of the Archdiocese of Military Services, Donella and Kevin of Broken Arrow, and Deanna (also known as Sister Veronica Anne, O.P.) of Nashville, TN. Dayna was the proud aunt of 19 nephews and nieces and one great-nephew.
Dayna was born on October 16, 1966, in Tulsa, OK. She was raised in Broken Arrow and graduated from Broken Arrow High School in 1985. Dayna graduated from Benedictine College in Atchison, KS, in 1989, with a degree in Daycare Management. She received a Masters degree in theology from the University of Dallas in 1998.
Dayna served in various positions in daycares, schools, and youth ministry programs after graduation. She joined Cotter Tax Service and worked with her mom for over 15 years. In 2013, Dayna started her own business, Debits and Credits, where she served her clients with diligence and care.
Dayna had many favorites: anything purple, the Dallas Cowboys, cats, the Seven Dwarfs, plants and flowers, getting her nails done, and smiley faces. Dayna's greatest interest was any activity with her family. Everything she did was centered on the good and needs of others. At the beginning of each school year, Dayna would arrange an all-day shopping trip to make sure that her nieces and nephew had the school supplies that they needed.
Dayna had numerous hobbies including cross-stitching, crocheting, and baking, especially coffee cake that her family greatly enjoyed and will miss, especially Michael. Dayna cross-stitched baby samplers and Christmas stockings for each of her nieces and nephews. Also, Dayna crocheted blankets for each of her siblings and several of her nieces and nephews for their graduation from high school. She also enjoyed making rosaries. Numerous family members and others have rosaries that Dayna made.
Dayna had a life well-lived. Her generosity and goodness will be greatly missed. As we mourn her loss, let us be kind and generous in Dayna's honor.
The vigil, visitation, and reception will be held at St. Anne Catholic Church (301 S. 9th Street, Broken Arrow) on Friday, August 27, 2021, from 6-9pm. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, August 28, 2021, at 9:30am at St. Anne.