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.”

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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.