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.