Obituary of Leonore Lee Hope Ottenbreit
LEONORE "LEE" OTTENBREIT - "Lee", as she was known to all, was married to
Joe for 61 years, and he was the love of her life. When Joe left to serve in
World War II, Lee joined a cadre of other patriotic women and worked at the
Brooklin Navy Yard as a welder. Years later she proudly visited the U.S.S.
Missouri, a battleship that she worked on. Lee joined and became an active
member of the American Legion Auxiliary and was awarded a certificate of
being a continuous member for over 50 years in the Harry Coppendyke Post.
When Joe retired, they traveled the world, and every trip was "the best
one".
She delivered Meals on Wheels for many years and offered entertainment to
shut-ins with her enthusiasm and story telling. She was a trustee and
acquisition chairman of the historic Garretson Forge in Fair Lawn. She was
born in New York City but moved with her family in 1950 to Fair Lawn, NJ for
a life in the new suburbs. Lee immersed herself in community and civic
affairs. She was an active member of the Girl Scouts starting at age 9 and
being awarded the "Thanks" badge from the Lenni-Lenape Council. She also
proudly wore her Golden Eaglet pin which was the highest honor during the
years of 1919-1938. She also was involved with the PTA and was proud that
she was awarded their highest honor of "life membership".
She was also a faithful blood donor since 1942 and only stopped when age
restrictions demanded it.
Before moving to Maine in 2009, Lee was an active member of the Friday
Social Senior Club in Fair Lawn. She brought her beloved rescue dog
"Tiffy", age 14, with her to Penobscot Shores, and Tiffy died in Lee's arms
only days before Lee.
She is survived by her children, Jan Ottenbreit and wife Esther, Jill Kulbe
(nee Ottenbreit) and husband Bill, Jean Cunningham (nee Ottenbreit) and
husband Carl; grandchildren, David and wife Alison, Christopher and wife
Lorie, Karen Kelly and husband Daniel, and Sam Ottenbreit; great-grandchildren, Ruby, Jesse, Jordan, Drew,
Kyla, and Jack.
Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. Those who
wish may make donations in Lee's memory to American Legion Auxiliary 171,
17-08 River Road, Fair Lawn, NJ 07410.