Mary Katherine Otto

Mary Katherine Otto was born on Thursday November 22, 1923 in Fort Benning, Georgia. She was just 6 years old when the Great Depression began, and by the winter of 1932 the country began to prosper as she entered the fourth grade.

Her Father was a retired Army Officer who would become the Last High Sheriff of Hawaii. Kay spoke often about her privileged life on the Islands and all the memorable family meals she enjoyed with her 4 brothers and 2 sisters. They had many fond memories together; watching the sunrise from the Hawaiian shores over breakfast, and there are those who will never forget that valiant little girl who took lard and turned the entire kitchen floor into a skating rink for siblings in socks.

On December 7, 1941, she survived the bombing of Pearl Harbor. She was just 18 years old. She wanted to see the world and had dreams of becoming a pilot and going to Africa. There was nothing ordinary about Kay. She proudly flew passengers in and out of Pearl Harbor during a time when there were very few female pilots.

In March of 1945 she married the man of her dreams. She was 22 years old. She spent the next 55 years supporting his remarkable career and raising six children. Her courageous heart never stopped searching for the next unique adventure that might enrich the lives of her children; just one of her many special talents.

As an Officer’s wife, she lived in over 8 different States. In the early 1960’s she took her family to Cap Ferrat, France. There she earned a formidable reputation for her unique ability to entertain the rich and famous; and admired for her uncommon perspective. She spent those years taking her five children all over Europe where they walked the streets of Algeria, rode in gondolas, went to gypsy pilgrimages, to the Grand Prix, drove down the Dubrovnik coast, and attended concerts in the Palace of Monaco. She knew how to appreciate the small times and turn them into big times by creating memories filled with joy and laughter. From the sophisticated jet set on the French Riviera to old rag mountain in Sperryville, Virginia she had a natural-born talent of adapting to any lifestyle anywhere in the world. She was a true chameleon who could rise above the native norms within any culture rich or poor.

Kay was a loyal wife and devoted mother. She was a generous and positive role model for her 12 grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren. She was an accomplished writer, a very talented poet, and a well-known artist in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Kay was an authentic Irish Rose who never left home without a stylish hat and a kind word. She always left a memorable impression; and was remembered her for her unique style and giving heart. Kay was a kind and gentle soul loved by everyone who knew her.

Mary Katherine will lay to rest in Arlington Cemetery next to her beloved husband among some of our Nation’s most revered heroes. We will remember her unique journey, and how she touched and enriched the lives of so many. We are grateful for her positive influence and gratified knowing she was a part of our lives and how she made our world a better place. She will be remembered fondly for all the meaningful contributions she made during her life. May your heart be filled with love when you think of our beloved Mary Katherine.

Arrangements under the direction of Mullins & Thompson Funeral Service, Stafford, VA.