Jessica E. Cottles

Jessica Erin Cottles was quick with a smile full of dimples and had a laugh that filled the room. She died suddenly at her home in Pittsburgh, on December 28 at age 40. Jessica was born on February 9, 1982, in Pensacola, Florida, to Catharine Reed Hand and William Haywood Cottles, Jr. She loved her job, where she was lovingly described by coworkers as “the cool aunt.” A fierce friend with a great heart, Jessica was a trusted friend to all dogs and carried a deep affection for animals of all kinds.

Jessica leaves behind her beloved partner, Justin Butler, with whom she resided in Carnegie, PA, along with his child, Dylan Butler, whom she loved as her own. She is also survived by her mother, father, stepfather Joseph Reed Hand and his wife, Terri Lucas, Grandmother Eva Dorsey McClain, sister Lea Knauff, her husband Ben and their children Eva and Luca, stepsister Emma Hand and husband Derek Anderson, stepbrother Randal Hand and wife Becky Fraser-Hand, and many cousins and friends.

Private arrangements were entrusted to Pittsburgh Cremation & Funeral Care, Robinson Township, PA. A celebration of Jessica’s life will follow with information to be posted on Facebook. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Pittsburgh Mercy or Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh (humaneanimalrescue.org).

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