Ethelyn "Lynn" J. (Whiteman) Ottzen, 90, our beloved family member went to be with her husband of 67 years, who has been waiting patiently in Heaven for her arrival.

Ethelyn was born on Nov. 12. 1932, one of five children born to Lynn and Marion (Hubbard) Whiteman of Schenevus, NY. Growing up in the Westford and Schenevus area, she graduated in 1945 from Andrew S. Draper, then continued studying to earn an education degree at SUCO, Oneonta, NY in 1954. After meeting and falling in love with her future husband, Peter C. Ottzen I, they were married in July of 1955 and settled down outside of Otego, NY.  While working around their home with many renovations, they welcomed their first born in Feb. of 1957, a son, named Peter II.  Soon to follow was their favorite daughter, Marie in Oct. of 1958.  They welcomed their youngest son, George, in May of 1961.

Lynn was a busy housewife, raising their three children mixed in with her amazing baking skills, as well as canning and pickling foods.  She also became quite the seamstress, making clothes and wool braided rugs which graced many of their rooms and later were handed down to several family members. Knitting was another way to keep her hands busy with hats, scarfs, mittens, sweaters.  Again, giving many items away to whom ever needed to be warm in the winter.  Piano playing was a fun thing for our Lynn to enjoy often playing while her grands and greats enjoyed the music. Much later when Lynn retired, she made dozens of quilts in a variety of sizes and would simply give them to family members and close friends, again with her pristine sewing skills.

Wanting to help out Lynn knew it was time to use her college degree, and in 1968 she began subbing for the Unatego School District; in 1969 she was hired full time until her retirement in 1992.  Teaching in Phys. Ed, Social Studies as well as English. Many of her students affectionately called her Mrs. O.  Back then teachers could get away with throwing dusty chalkboard erasers!!

With both Pete and Lynn retired they began taking cruises and bus trips around the USA.  They also enjoyed trips to several countries in Europe. The draw of being snow birds took them to Seminole, FL, where they made many new friends.  Family in Florida loved seeing their Aunt Lynn and Uncle Pete. After 12 years of being snow birds, they finally decided to stay put in upstate NY.

Lynn and Pete were blessed with three granddaughters, twins, Elizabeth, Jennifer, and then Sarah.  They enjoyed watching them grow, going to their concerts, sporting events, dozens and dozens of family celebrations, college graduations and even weddings. More blessings came along over time for Lynn and Pete to enjoy and love, their four great-grandchildren, Alexis, Molly, David and Lucas. Watching them all grow always put a smile on their faces. Also added to their growing family was Zayden Lopez.

Our Lynn was a Fox Hospital volunteer for over 15 years, a member of the local DAR chapter, sang with the Sweet Adeline's in Oneonta, NY and even found time to sell Mary Kay cosmetics for many years.

Friends were hugely important to Lynn, she loved people and always valued her friendships, both now and in the past as she was growing up. She was a very generous and giving person, quite often wanting to give food away to those around to take back home with them.

She is survived by her children, Peter II of Otego, NY, Marie (Mark) Lockburner of Unadilla, NY, and George of Meadowview, VA.; granddaughters, Elizabeth (Jeremy) Youngs of Otego, NY, Jennifer (Ben) Herrera of Unadilla, NY, and Sarah (Jay) Lopez of Feura Bush, NY; great-grandchildren, Alexis & Molly of Otego, NY and David & Lucas of Unadilla, NY, as well as Zayden Lopez of the Bronx; brothers, Oakley "Gov" (Connie) Whiteman of Westford, Geary (Caroline) Whiteman of Schenevus, and sister, Golda Fairchild, in Pittsgrove, NJ; as well as many nieces and nephews around the country, and many cousins as well.

Lynn is predeceased by her brother, Wendell "Pink", sister-in-law, Jean, nephew, David, daughter-in-law, Carolyn, brother-in-law, Jay, and of course her beloved husband, Pete.

In her honor please consider a memorial donation to the Alzheimer Association.

Calling hours will be 10 a.m. to Noon, with the funeral at Noon on Wednesday, December 14, 2022 at the Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono Funeral Home, 51 Dietz St., Oneonta.  Please do not wear black, wear bright and cheerful colors in honor of our Lynn who was a bright & cheerful person to know and love.

The burial at the Evergreen Cemetery in Otego, NY will be held 2 p.m., Monday, May 1, 2023.

Please join the family afterwards at the AmVet building on Main St. in Schenevus, NY to share your stories about our AMAZING family member as well as some light refreshments.

Online condolences may be sent to, www.lhpfuneralhome.com