Dorothy Otto (nee Kozarevich), 95
In Loving Memory of Dorothy Otto (née Kozarevich)
July 28, 1929 – January 12, 2025
Dorothy Otto, a woman of extraordinary warmth, charm, and resilience, passed away peacefully on January 12, 2025, surrounded by her loving daughters and devoted caretakers. Her radiant personality and unforgettable smile leave a legacy of love that will forever illuminate the lives she touched.
Born during the Great Depression, Dorothy was one of ten children to Mike (Emanuel) and Catherine Kozarevich, first-generation Americans who built a life together in Barberton, Ohio, after immigrating from Europe. The Kozarevich family embodied hard work and perseverance, traits Dorothy carried with her throughout her life. As a young girl, Dorothy assisted her father at their lunch counter, helping prepare and serve old-world style meats from livestock he butchered after trips to the Kidron Auction.
Despite growing up with modest means, Dorothy cherished the lessons of gratitude and resilience her upbringing instilled in her. She often reminisced about the simple joys of childhood, especially the rare and cherished trips with her father in his two-seater Ford delivery truck to buy a new dress and shoes.
Dorothy excelled as a student and athlete at Barberton High School, her alma mater, earning the respect and admiration of her peers. Though humble about her popularity, she fondly recalled being asked to a dance by the late Glenn Edward “Bo” Schembechler Jr., a memory that never failed to bring a twinkle to her eye.
As a young woman, Dorothy embraced her role as a devoted mother, raising her first three children, John Pecimon, Beth Miller, and Lisa Otto, with her childhood sweetheart, Bernie (Bernard) Pecimon. Later, she married Dr. John Otto, welcoming his three children, Kim Knapp, Beth Otto, and Bubby (John) Otto, into her heart and raising them with the same devotion and love.
Dorothy became an integral part of her husband’s medical practice in Copley, Ohio, serving as an unofficial nurse with a knack for making patients feel at ease through her care and compassion. Patients and loved ones alike benefitted from her nurturing spirit and calming smile.
Later in life, Dorothy, John, and Bubby relocated to Arizona, where her greatest joy became her six grandchildren: Kade, Colton, Emily, Brooke, Billy, and Brandon, along with her nine great grandchildren: Magnus, August, Scarlett, Reagan, Duke, Danny, Athena, Joey, and Bennett.
Dorothy’s love for her family was boundless, and her generosity and uplifting spirit made her the kind of person you longed to be around. Her laughter and light were so constant, it was impossible to imagine a life without her.
With Dorothy’s passing, a remarkable chapter in the lives of everyone who knew her comes to a close. Her kindness, strength, and love will be profoundly missed, but her legacy lives on in the hearts of her family and friends.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Dorothy’s nephew Marty Kozarevich and his wife, Stephanie, along with Dorothy’s friends, Tess, Rose, and Jerry, for their care and unwavering support, which brought comfort and joy to Dorothy during her final years.
A celebration of Dorothy’s life will be held at a later date, where family and friends can gather to honor the remarkable woman who brightened so many lives.
“There is no greater pleasure than seeing your loved ones prosper.”
