Mary Elizabeth Otterman

12/12/1948 - 10/29/2024

Mary Elizabeth Otterman, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on October 29, 2024, while enjoying a special trip with her husband and friends in Louisville, Kentucky. Born on December 12, 1948, in Elmhurst, Illinois, Mary grew up with two brothers and two sisters and nurtured a lifelong love for family, art, and community.

While in college, Mary discovered a passion for art, a love she carried throughout her life. During a holiday visit to her sister in Pensacola, Florida, she met her future husband, Terry. It was love at first sight, and she returned home to her family, declaring with conviction, “This is the man I’m going to marry.” They were married on November 1, 1969, beginning a 20-year Navy journey that would shape their lives and take them across the country.

A devoted Navy wife and mother, Mary raised their children, Tim and Stephanie, often on her own while Terry was deployed for extended periods. She handled twelve moves, including a memorable chapter in Hawaii, where she volunteered her time at a dental lab to gain valuable experience in the field. After Terry’s retirement in Jacksonville, Florida, Mary joined Dr. Patch’s dental practice, where she worked for 18 years. She retired with joy to be near her growing family, particularly to support her daughter’s twins.

In retirement, Mary’s life blossomed in the Tampa Bay Golf and Country Club community. She enjoyed her book club, Bunco nights, and cherished friendships. A devout member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Dade City, Florida, her faith and compassion were a source of strength and joy to those around her.

Mary is survived by her loving husband of 55 years, Terry; her son, Tim; her daughter, Stephanie Brown; her grandchildren, Emily, Theron, Connor, and Collin; and her siblings, Marcia Wright, Kevin Wright, Therese Becker, and Terrence Wright.

Her warmth, kindness, and strength will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all whose lives she touched.

A funeral Mass will be held at noon on Friday, December 13, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 32145 St Joe Rd, Dade City, FL 33525. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org, honoring Mary’s love for family and her compassionate spirit.