Lisa J. Cotton

In Loving Memory of Lisa Cotton

It is with profound sadness and broken hearts that we announce the unexpected passing of our beloved mother, Lisa Cotton, on Sunday morning. While we mourn the loss of her physical presence, we take comfort in knowing that her spirit, love, and legacy will live on in all who knew her.

Lisa was born on March 2, 1958 in Michigan City, IN to Patrick and Winifred (Rodgers) Lyons.  She graduated from Western Michigan University and earned her master's degree from the University of Indianapolis. A dedicated healthcare professional and entrepreneur, she founded several healthcare companies, including Michiana Hand Rehabilitation, Cotton and Company, and Ergonomic Health Solutions. Lisa channeled her passion for healthcare into helping workers prevent and recover from both short- and long-term work-related injuries. Countless manufacturing and factory workers owe their long-term health and wellness to her devotion to safety, injury prevention, and compassionate care.

Lisa was a strong, passionate, and caring woman whose warmth touched everyone around her. She found joy in tending to her beautiful gardens, crafting birdhouses at her home, and preparing incredible meals that brought family and friends together around the table. Her home was always a place of comfort, laughter, and love.

Lisa’s greatest achievement in life was raising her four sons, Daniel, Brian, Tim, and Matt. She often said that being a mother to her boys was her proudest accomplishment, and she devoted her life to loving, supporting, and guiding them through every stage of life.

Known by many as the ultimate “team mom,” Lisa never missed an opportunity to support her sons in their sporting endeavors. Whether cheering from the sidelines, helping behind the scenes, or simply being their biggest fan, she was always there. Some of her most treasured memories were spent watching her four boys play ice hockey on the lake behind their home, moments that perfectly reflected the love and closeness of her family.

Above all else, Lisa shared a remarkable love story with her husband, Jerry, the love of her life and devoted partner. Together they built a home filled with laughter, compassion, and unwavering commitment to one another. Their bond was an example to all who knew them and remains one of the greatest parts of her legacy.

Lisa is survived by her loving husband, Jerry; her four sons, Daniel (Allison) Laakso, Brian (Stephanie) Laakso, Tim (Whitney Yancey) Laakso , and Matt (Stephanie Helenburg) Laakso; her brother, Tom Lyons; and her cherished grandchildren, Olivia, William, and Gavin, who brought immense joy and pride to her life. She also leaves behind countless family members, friends, colleagues, and loved ones whose lives were enriched by her kindness, generosity, and unwavering support.

Though our hearts are broken, we are grateful for the time we shared with her and the countless memories she leaves behind. Her strength, compassion, devotion to family, and generous spirit will continue to inspire us every day.

She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten. 

Zahoran Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.  Cremation has taken place.  A Celebration of Life will be held at the Wellfield Botanic Gardens, 1011 N Main St, Elkhart, IN 46514, from 10am - 2pm on August 1, 2026.   To leave an online condolence, visit our website http://www.zahoran.com or our facebook page Zahoran Funeral Home.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Lisa J. Cotton, please visit our floral store.