Jacqueline "Jackie" Otte

Jackie, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on February 1, 2026, following a long and difficult journey with frontotemporal disorder (FTD). She was 79.

Born on January 24, 1947, in Butte, Montana, to the late John and Dorothy Sheldon, Jackie grew up with a love of learning and service that would define her life. She was a proud graduate of Montana State University, where she earned a degree in education. Those values of curiosity, leadership, and compassion carried with her throughout her life in Schenectady, New York, and into every community she served.

Jackie dedicated her professional career to public service, working for the New York State Tax Department as a systems trainer. Outside of her career, she was deeply engaged in civic and volunteer organizations, where she was known for her energy, mentorship, and ability to bring people together. She held leadership roles in the Boy Scouts of America, local golf leagues, the Red Hat Society, and Odyssey of the Mind. In recognition of her extraordinary service and leadership, Odyssey of the Mind honored her with its highest award, the Spirit Award.

Above all else, Jackie cherished her family. She was the beloved wife of Wayne Otte of Schenectady, New York, and the proud mother of John Otte and Jennifer (Otte) Bourassa, as well as their spouses, Shannon and David. She found her greatest joy in being “Grandma” to Kaitlyn, Kristina, Gabrielle, and Samuel, and was a constant source of love, encouragement, and guidance in their lives.

Jackie will be remembered for her strength, generosity, and unwavering dedication to those she loved and the communities she served. Her legacy lives on in the many lives she touched and in the family she so deeply adored.

Visitation will take place on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, from 11:00 am - 12:00pm, at St. Madeline Sophie Church. A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 12:00pm, at St. Madeline Sophie Church, 3500 Carman Rd, Schenectady, NY 12303. Interment will take place the following day at Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Schuylerville, NY.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jackie’s memory to Odyssey of the Mind by contributing through CreativeOpportunities.org.