Joan Marion VanWormer Otto

Monday, March 24, 2025 - 18:14

Joan Marion VanWormer Otto

Joan Marion VanWormer Otto, a nurse with a beautiful soprano voice, died peacefully with family members by her side on Thursday, March 20, 2025. She was 91.

She was born on Jan. 27, 1934 to Norman and Eleanor VanWormer in Albany.

“She married her high school sweetheart, Richard ‘Dick’ W. Otto, in 1952 after graduating from Berne-Knox High School,” her family wrote in a tribute.

“She was a nurse, and a founding member of the Raleigh Little German Band Dance group,” her family wrote. “She had a beautiful soprano voice and performed in her high school musicals, the Raleigh Little German Band, and Grace Lutheran Church Choir.

“She was the best mom we could have ever wished for. We say goodbye to Mom knowing she and Dad are together again. We will miss you, Mom.”

****

Joan Marion VanWormer Otto is survived by her children, Michael (Maury), Susan Otto-Rodgers (Bob), Daniel (Donna), and Paul (Cyndy); her grandchildren Rebecca, Elyse, Meredith, Will, and Lauren; her great-grandchildren Sarah, Quay, Carter and Ella; and her great-great-grandchild, Jonah.

Her parents, Norman and Eleanor VanWormer, died before her as did her husband, Richard “Dick” W. Otto.

Her life will be celebrated on May 10, at 2 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association at diabetes.org.

More Obituaries

  • Loretta Whalen

    Loretta Whalen

    VOORHEESVILLE — Loretta Whalen, one tough lady, died suddenly on Saturday, March 8, 2025 from complications of influenza.

    Born at home in Watervliet in July 1925, she was the third child of Phillip and Rose (née Dean) Beeler.

  • Caroline P. Joslyn

    WESTERLO — Caroline P. Joslyn — a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother — died on Friday, March 21, 2025 at St. Peter’s Hospital. She was 88.

    She was born in Schenectady on Aug. 5, 1936, a daughter of the late John and Mildred McFee Gardiner.

  • Kathleen Jayne Blakeman

    Kathleen Jayne Blakeman

    KNOX — Kathleen Jayne “Merricat” Blakeman died on Thursday, March 6, 2025, at Albany Medical Center Hospital after a short illness. She was 76.

    Born Kathleen Doetsch on Oct. 21, 1948 in Albany, she was raised in Selkirk by her parents, William F. Doetsch and Geraldine (née Thiessen) Doetsch.

The Altamont Enterprise is focused on hyper-local, high-quality journalism. We produce free election guides, curate readers' opinion pieces, and engage with important local issues. Subscriptions open full access to our work and make it possible.