Consance M. Cotter's Obituary
Dina Cotter, 78, passed away peacefully at her home in Lewes, Delaware on January 27, 2026. She was born Constance Tantaros in Greece, in 1947. At age four, she emigrated with her parents to Plainfield, New Jersey, but always treasured her Greek heritage.
In 1965 she graduated from Plainfield High School and followed her own path forward— which eventually led her to homes in Nashua, New Hampshire; Severna Park, Maryland and eventually Lewes, Delaware.
Dina spent most of her professional career as a dedicated employee at Lockheed Martin, where she worked as a recruiter and in the HR department. A true go-getter, she also worked part time at her family’s restaurant for many of her Lockheed years.
Described by those who know and love her as a “sparkler”, feisty, outgoing and social, Dina loved to make people feel comfortable in her home. The next generation remembers her as “Yia Yia” who loved to bake them the same tasty Greek twist cookies her mother used to make.
Dina was also very active in her community. Most recently, she helped fundraise through “Lunch with a Purpose”, supporting under-served organizations in Sussex County, Delaware. She also served on the board of the Chapel Green Homeowner’s Association. When she was living near Annapolis with her late husband, a 1966 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, she served as host Mom to several Midshipmen.
Dina is survived by her brothers, John and Nick Tantaros, and their wives Lisa and Irene. She also leaves behind her nephews Jonathan, Sean and Gregory and nieces Lindsay and Danielle. Through her marriage to the late Paul Stephen Cotter, Sr., her family included stepchildren: Paul “Steve” Cotter, Jr.; Judy Morrison and Kristin Cotter, as well as nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Dina will be interred with her late husband, Paul Stephen Cotter. The ceremony will be held at the United States Naval Academy Columbarium, on May 7th 2026 at 10:30am.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to a cause Dina supported (she was an animal-lover): the Delaware ASPCA, https://bvspca.org/ways-to-give
Please sign the tribute wall at this site.
What’s your fondest memory of Consance?
What’s a lesson you learned from Consance?
Share a story where Consance's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Consance you’ll never forget.
How did Consance make you smile?