Florence Ada Otto

1924 - 2018

Florence Ada Otto
July 1, 1924 - Feb. 23, 2018
Soquel
Born Florence Ada Elmore, July 1st, 1924, to parents, Arthur and Leora Elmore, in Alameda, California.
She grew up partly in Alameda, and then lived in Hayward. The little family of 4 included her brother, Allen M. Elmore, and they lived very frugally in those depression and post-depression days.
Her Father, Arthur, served in WWI, and came home in very poor health. He worked as a mailman, but he died when Florence was only 2 years old. Her mom worked very hard to support two little ones.
Florence met her future husband, Gordon Otto, as a small child. He was a year and a half younger than she was, and their parents often strolled the two of them together in the same baby buggy. They grew up together, played together, and roller-skated all over Alameda together. Gordon liked fishing, and they would skate to the estuary frequently so he could fish, but he would often find himself alone as she would get bored and leave.
Then Pearl Harbor happened, and all the young men were joining the military. Mom and Dad discovered they were in love about that time, and were married in August of 1945. Gordon joined up with the Merchant Marines, and went off for basic training at Catalina Island. He spent 5 years all together on a Merchant Ship and traveled all over the world, from the Baltic to Australia, and in the Pacific.
Florence and Gordon raised 2 children, Peggy Ann and Harvey Ray Otto. We all lived a very happy life with camping and beach trips. They moved to Soquel, CA at the time I started High School at Monterey Bay Academy.
Harvey served as a medic in Viet Nam, and I went to college and became a nurse. Mom and dad stayed in Soquel on the "ranch" the remainder of their lives. Dad died in 2006 from pancreatic cancer, and now mom has passed away at the age of 93 1/2 from heart and kidney failure.
Florence and Gordon Otto lived long and full lives. They were active in the Soquel SDA Church, and always put family and needy ones ahead of their own needs. They are loved by their friends and remembered for their kindness and generosity. Mom had a smile that wouldn't quit, and they both had sharp minds and a witty sense of humor right up to the end.
They are survived by 2 children, 4 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild. They are sorely missed by the family and friends that remain behind. Rest In Peace Mom and Dad - see you in the New Earth when Jesus comes and wakes you up - what a reunion that will be!
Lori Family Mortuary
(805) 922-5880
www.lorifamilymortuary.com


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