Former Apple VP of Corporate Communication Katie Cotton Has Passed Away

Katie Cotton, Apple's former VP of Corporate Communications, has passed away. Cotton retired in 2014 after serving with the company for 18 years. She was known as the 'Queen' of Tech PR, serving as gatekeeper to Steve Jobs and Tim Cook, and guiding the media narrative around everything Apple.

"We're deeply saddened by Katie's passing," Apple said in a statement. "She was an extraordinary person and she made countless contributions over the course of her two-decade career at Apple. Our thoughts are with her loved ones and everyone who had the opportunity to work with her."

Her obituary was published earlier today.


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KATHRYN COTTON OBITUARY
It is with great sadness that the family of Kathryn Elizabeth Cotton announces her passing. Fondly known to family, friends and all who loved her as Katie. She passed peacefully on Thursday evening, April 6, surrounded by family and close friends.

Katie is survived by her children Ethan and Isabelle Mimeles, life partner Jim Wells, mother Marie, siblings LoriAnn, Patty and Richard, former husband Michael Mimeles, nieces and nephew, Alayna, Allison, Bryce, Caroline, Danielle, Hannah, Olivia, Phillip, and Sydney whom she loved dearly and supported relentlessly, and her loving pets, Kona and Jasper. Katie was preceded in death by her father Philip Cotton.

She arrived in California from New Jersey in 1988 ready to make her mark on the world. And so she did.

Katie is recognized as one of the most remarkable women in Public Relations and Marketing in Technology. In her role as Vice President of Worldwide Corporate Communications for Apple Inc., she worked most of her 18-year career directly for Steve Jobs. She was a strong and unwavering proponent for the company, helping to elevate its products and brand.


In retirement, she raised awareness for mental health education for children by volunteering in local community organizations. Katie also became an avid birdwatcher, ready to easily identify any bird at a moment's notice.

Her children, Ethan and Isabelle, remember her as a devoted mother, kind friend, and inspirational role model that supported them in every aspect of their lives.

A private funeral will be held on Friday, April 14th at the Asbury United Methodist Church in Asbury, New Jersey where Katie will be laid to rest. A celebration of life will take place in the Bay Area in the coming months.

If you would like to honor Katie's life and charitable work, please consider a donation to Pets In Need https://www.petsinneed.org/ in Redwood City or SafeSpace https://safespace.org/ in Menlo Park.
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