Valerie T. Cotter

Auburn, Ma – Valerie Tringale Cotter (65) died peacefully on Friday, January 2, 2026, surrounded by her loved ones, after a courageous battle with cancer.

She leaves behind her husband of 40 years, John Michael Cotter; two daughters, Michaela M. Clark and her husband, Sidney, and Carolina E. Cotter; three granddaughters, Carmela, MariaLena and Valerie; her mother Ann M. (McDonough) Tringale of Saugus; her brother, Thomas E. Tringale of Wakefield; and her sister, Nancy Tringale of Saugus; sister and brother in-laws, Cathy Meyer (Rick Boule), Pattie Allain (Brian), Donna Currie (Billy), AnnMarie Johnson (Mark), Erin Caracciolo (Ron Cyr) and Brian Cotter; 15 nieces and nephews, and a community of friends.

Valerie was born on November 4, 1960 in Lynn, Massachusetts, daughter of the late Thomas E. Tringale. Valerie grew up in Saugus attending their public-school systems through graduation at Saugus High in 1978, where she was a gymnast and captain of the cheerleading team. She received her Bachelor’s of Education at Westfield State and continued her studies to receive her Master’s Plus.

Valerie was a beloved schoolteacher for 38 years, beginning in Saugus and spending the majority of her career in 1st grade at Bryn Mawr Elementary in Auburn. After moving to Auburn in 1985, she spent the first decade in education job-sharing with her dearest friend, Tricia Horgan, to allow for them to raise their young children together. Outside of her teaching career, Valerie waitressed at The Northworks and Peppercorns in Worcester. After retiring from teaching in 2019, she spent time volunteering, caretaking for loved ones, old and young, and traveling with Michael to Florida and Wisconsin to visit their grandchildren.

Valerie’s entire life was devoted to her family and friends. Her greatest gift was being a "Nonna" to her grandchildren, with whom she spent endless hours reading. She was passionate about growing her garden and caring for her dogs Max and Coco. Every summer she vacationed with her husband and daughters in Ogunquit, Maine. Simple, beautiful moments brought Valerie the most joy – fresh air, sunlight, a walk along the water, decorating and hosting for holidays, a well-cooked meal amongst friends and laughing her head off, as she would always say. Valerie was above all else, selfless, graceful and kind. She ensured those around her knew how much they were loved and her family will continue to honor that spirit. Valerie was the center of their universe; she will be profoundly and deeply missed.

Visiting hours are Thursday, January 8 from 4:00 – 7:00pm at Callahan Fay Caswell Funeral Home, 61 Myrtle St. A Funeral Mass will be held Friday, January 9 at 10:00am in St. Peter’s Church, 931 Main Street. The burial will be in St. John’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to a charity or organization of your choice. In honor of Valerie, please pay it forward.