Delphine (Del) Catherine Kott, age 91, of Manistee, passed away peacefully, August 12, 2025 after battling cancer.  She was the daughter of Bernard and Katherine Pieczynski, born March 21, 1934.  Del married Kenneth Kott in 1955 at St. Joseph Church in Manistee. He preceded her in death in June, 2009.

Del graduated from St. Joseph High, Manistee in 1950 as valedictorian, and Madonna College (University), Livonia, MI in 1954, also as valedictorian.  She spent 1954-55, her first of year teaching, in Pontiac, MI.  After her marriage, she returned to Manistee to teach four years at Guardian Angels School in Manistee.  She joined the Manistee Area Public Schools in 1959, where she taught until her retirement in 1991.

Active in local groups, she served as president of the Manistee Jaycettes, the Manistee Child Guidance Club and the St. Joseph Altar Society.  She was a member of the West Shore Hospital Auxiliary, serving as treasurer and manager of the gift shop.  As a member of St. Joseph Church, she was also an instructor of parish religion classes, and served on the Funeral Luncheon Committee and participated in the Jail Ministry program.  She found much joy in making rosaries for the missions.

Because of a gift from a granddaughter's family, on August 17, 2019, Del experienced a long-standing dream.  At age 85, she went on a hot air balloon ride out of Traverse City.

Del was a doting grandmother and loyal fan for her grandchildren.  She cheered them on at dance and music recitals, sporting events and school activities.

Always a book in hand, Del was an avid reader.  She enjoyed walks, sewing and puzzles.

Del and Ken were blessed with six children.  John, an infant who died in 1963 and Carol, who passed away from injuries sustained in a car accident in 1973.  Surviving are three daughters and a son:  Mary (Dick) Totch, Kenn (Shelly) Kott, Julie (David) Zajac and Janet (Brian) Abramowski, all of Manistee; Twelve grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren also entered their lives: Sean (Kate) Totch of Tomahawk, WI, Amy (Jared) Klackle of Midlothian, VA, Teresa (Brian) Schimke of Lansing, MI, Kenny (Carmen) Kott and Kevin (Emma Wilkinson) Kott both of Manistee; Emilee (Fiancè Danny Sully) Kott of Hudsonville, MI, Natalee (Trey Gilbert) Kott  of Grandville, MI, Kaden Kott of Manistee, Katie (Kyle Forrest) Petoskey of Manistee, Sara (Tim Pointer) Petoskey of Grand Rapids, James Popovich of Ohio, and Samantha Zajac of Manistee.  Great-grandchildren are Tyler and Thomas Totch, Delanie, Adeline and Edelina Schimke, Louise and Frances Klackle, Mallory and Madison Kott and Greyson Strouse.

Also surviving Del is her brother, Gerald and Leanne Pieczynski and her sister-in-law, Elaine Pieczynski both of Manistee, and many treasured nieces and nephews.

Relatives preceding Del in death were two brothers and a sister in-law; Bernard and Mary Pieczynski and Al Pieczynski, her sister and brother in-law; Alice and Harry Gregorski.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 am Monday, August 18, 2025 at Divine Mercy Parish (St. Joseph Church) in Manistee with Rev. James Bearss celebrant.  Graveside services will immediately follow at Mt. Carmel Cemetery with a luncheon and time of fellowship to conclude at Divine Mercy (St Joseph) Parish Center.  The family will be at the church on Monday morning, one hour prior to Del's funeral Mass to receive friends.

Memorials will be established in Del's name, for the Manistee Public Library and Divine Mercy Parish Choir. Envelopes will be available at the church on Monday morning.

Herbert Funeral Home of Manistee is in charge of arrangements.