Clare (Pylman) Otten's Obituary
Following a short illness and quite unexpectedly, Clare Ann Otten passed away on December 20, 2014. A woman of substance and class, Clare left this world at peace. There is no doubt that she is and will continue to be missed.
Devoted sister of Helen Marquette and the late John S. Marquette; Loving mother of Teresa (Terri) Restel Julianelli and son-in-law Larry Restel; and Incredible friend and ”Auntie” to many.
She was preceded in death by her brother, Franciscan Priest, Father Giles Valcovich and her devoted husband John F. Otten Sr.
Born to Rose and Peter Valcovich on October 3, 1933, she was a native of Oakland, and lived in Piedmont for the past 46 years. She attended St. Elizabeth’s Grammar and High Schools, and later received her Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from University of Phoenix.
Clare was first married in 1953 to Terri’s father, Jerry Richard Pylman. She began her career with Pacific Telephone at 18 years old and continued working within all of the company iterations through AT&T, when she semi-retired. She then continued as a Human Resources Consultant assisting telecommunications, health care and hospice organizations. Once “fully-retired”, she continued to be passionate about supporting people in their professional endeavors.
Clare loved reading her mystery books, pursuing her writing projects, expanding her opportunities for travel, participating in her spiritual community, and working on herself to continually grow.
She enjoyed attending live theater and was an avid subscriber and supporter of several local theatre companies.
A celebration of Clare’s life will be held Sunday February 8, 2015 at 3:30 pm in the Sanctuary at Plymouth Church in Oakland: 424 Monte Vista Avenue at the corner of Oakland Ave.
Friends are invited to come and be together to share memories and stories about all of the unforgettable ways she impacted our lives; including her loving nature, her warm and generous actions, and what a supportive friend she was. A gathering will follow in the church Fireside Room.
If you would like to make a donation please consider St. Mary’s Center, an Oakland non-profit organization dedicated to the humanity of all people, or the Oakland SPCA. However, in lieu of flowers or a donation, please consider taking someone you love out to lunch or dinner. That’s what Clare would do. And tip well.
What’s your fondest memory of Clare?
What’s a lesson you learned from Clare?
Share a story where Clare's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Clare you’ll never forget.
How did Clare make you smile?