Ann Otten

Ann Otten

Where to start… Her family, community and multiple civic groups relied on her “tell it like it is”, “no-nonsense” leadership; she was a force of nature. When Ann was involved, everyone deferred. She was Repaupo through and through, living in the same home her entire life and graduating from St. James in 1963. Age 18 found her with her first job working as a messenger clerk at Mobil Research in Paulsboro. A year later she started a career in the Print Shop, first as a Collator and Binder and later she advanced to Supervisor. She’d retire from the Print Shop and Mobil Research a brief 36 years later, but she stayed loyal to the Red Horsemen, serving as its’ president and organizing many of their events over the years. Her friendships lasted a lifetime; she still got together with the MobilGals and VIPs on a regular basis. She served for 29 years on the Logan Twp School Board, serving as its president for 15 years. And, yes, her love of community was strong but her love of family even stronger and never more on display than on vacation: Garrison Lake, Stone Harbor, Ocean City and her favorite, the happiest place on earth. Ann loved everything Disney and tried to buy everything on Main Street on her trips to Orlando and even in the Magic Kingdom she was a leader, running the show from her scooter. She had a lifelong love of baseball (Phillies, college and high school) and thought nothing of travelling several states to see her son play. And when she became a grandmother she doubled down, never missing a volleyball tournament, soccer or basketball game. Her Christmas shopping started in January, the wrapping of the gifts in July. Her grands couldn’t wait to go to her home for the weekend; movies, junk food and staying up way too late. Of course, she was a grandmother for her grandkid’s friends as well as the whole area; her Halloween party was infamous, complete with prizes, gift bags and more candy than you could possibly consume. She was a lifetime member of St. Michael’s.
She is survived by her son, Ted (Amy) and her grandchildren, Caroline (Karl Thomann) and Jeremy. Ann was the sister of Robert “Bob” Otten, John “Jack” Otten and the late Elizabeth “Cathy” Otten.

Come celebrate 78 great years Monday (March 21) 6-8 p.m. at Daley Life Celebration Studio, 1518 Kings Highway, Swedesboro. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:00 Tuesday at St. Clare of Assisi Parish, St. Michaels Church, Gibbstown where friends and family will gather from 9:30 a.m. Interment St. Joseph Cemetery, Woolwich.

9 Comments

  1. Stephanie Rutcosky says:

    Ted & Any, I’m so sorry to hear of Ann’s passing. She was such a huge part of our community, a voice for the kids on the school board. My condolences to you all.

  2. Beverly Guy says:

    Dearest Ted, Amy and loving family of sweet, precious, awesome, beautiful Ann…..we are so very deeply sorry and saddened to hear of dear Ann’s passing! Your mother was such a special, wonderful woman and loved by all of us who were so blessed to have had her in our lives! I worked at Mobil starting in 1969 as a secretary and saw Ann almost daily when taking in work my bosses needed copied and printed. She was such a fun and lovely woman to work with! I love reading of all her life’s accomplishments after leaving Mobil…..glad she had precious grandchildren to spoil! My husband also worked at Mobil and liked Ann too! We pray 🙏 you find some peace and comfort and joy in all of your wonderful memories of Ann, and may they help during this sad time! With our deepest sympathies, Bev and Wayne Guy

  3. Glenn & Randi LaBove says:

    Ted and Amy, so sorry for your loss. Keeping your family in our thoughts.

  4. Courtney and Michael Baker says:

    Love and prayers to The Otten family. She was a wonderful person and will be missed by many.

  5. Domenic & Linda Sebastiani says:

    A truly great person.
    She helped both of us when we were young and just starting out and we’ve been friends ever since.
    She will be missed!😥🙏🙏

  6. Mike Surkein says:

    Ann was a mentor to me and a great person. She convinced me to join the school board. I learned a lot from her. She will be dearly missed.

  7. Dori, Josh, Haven, and Knox. says:

    Teddy, Amy, Caroline, Jeremy, and the rest of our sweet family.
    So many of my favorite most vivid memories have Aunt Ann wrapped up in them, my mind has been flooded with memories of the shore and of course pumpkin carving along with all the fun family gatherings. I will never forget her laughter and voice, she always made me feel loved and like a blended member of this amazing family, my heart aches. She taught us to love, slow down and enjoy life. You can never forget someone who is so special. Sending love and our sincere condolences to you and our family in this time of sadness. Love Dori, Josh, Haven, and Knox.

  8. Loly Farnos says:

    Dear Ted & Amy, Caroline & Karl, and Jeremy, Please accept my deepest condolences. I knew your Mom/grandmother from her days at the Mobil print shop. I enjoyed many wonderful conversations with her and catching up on updates on Ted & Amy and later on Caroline and Jeremy. I always remember her remarkable smile and her unwavering optimism. I left Mobil shortly after the mergers but we stayed in touch via email and through the yearly holiday updates. Her pride for her family was so evident every time she spoke of all of you.
    Your loss is great and I trust that with time a smile will be on your faces when you think of her. May Ann’s memory always be a blessing for all who knew and loved her. May her soul rest in peace and you find comfort in your memories and the love of your friends and family during this difficult time.

  9. Don Segall says:

    Dear Ted and Family,

    I am so sorry for the loss of Ann. Regrettably I only just learned of her passing. May Ann’s memory forever be a blessing to all whom knew her.
    Ann’s grandmother and my grandmother were sisters.
    Although I had not seen Ann in many years, we attempted to sporadically keep in contact.
    Please accept my belated condolences and know that my thoughts are with you.

    Don S

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