Cottage, Nancy Ann (Maccabe), 58, of Garden Grove, CA, passed away on Monday, July 29, 2013 from an extremely short battle with cancer. Though Nancy left her family and friends unexpectedly, she leaves those close to her more enriched by her love, sarcasm, strength and compassion.

As the self-proclaimed "runt" of the Maccabe clan, Nancy served as the tireless beacon of strength for her family through numerous challenges and tragedies. A giant among many, Nancy's humor, energy, voice, and laughter lifted her up far greater than her small 5 ft stature. Her family was her greatest accomplishment and she will be remembered for her tireless work ethic, complete selflessness to her friends and family, and her extremely quick wit. To her credit, the best things do come in small packages.

Nancy leaves behind her high school sweetheart and husband of 37 years, Tom; son, Corey Cottage; daughter, Kristin Kokkeler; grandchildren, LJ and Georgie Kokkeler; her mother, Virginia Maccabe; brothers, Scott and Dean Maccabe; sisters, Karen Isham and Alison Maccabe; three nephews and five nieces.

A celebration of her life, a memorial mass, will be held this Thursday, August 8 at St. Columban Catholic Church at 10801 Stanford Ave., Garden Grove, CA at 10:00 a.m.