Lesley Joan Otto
Lesley Joan “Jojo” Otto, of Ann Arbor, passed away peacefully at her daughter’s home, surrounded by loved ones, on March 29, 2025, at 89 years old. She ultimately died from complications of a recent fall: though her body was broken, her spirit never failed.
No matter what name you knew her by, she was a force you’ll never forget. Born into an Armenian family in Troy, New York, Joan always fought for the underdog.
After moving to California where she attended UCLA, in 1954 she met Howard Otto, the love of her life, and for the next 58 years the two of them, together, championed compassion and what is the “right thing to do.”
After college and a number of small stops along the way, Joan and Howard finally settled in Houghton, to raise their family. Strong in her convictions, Joan opened up her home to anyone (human or animal) in need of assistance or support.
When families, friends, or students sought help, Joan always showed up: the term “no vacancy” had no meaning when it came to her heart. In early ’84, they moved to Cheboygan, Michigan, where she continued and reinforced her tradition of living life to the fullest, with her larger-than-life personality on full display.
During her time in the Tip of the Mitt, she wrote for the Cheboygan Daily Tribune, ran for numerous board seats to support the local community, and just like in Houghton, often could be found at the local Big Boy having a coffee with Howard and holding court.
In 2003, they headed south to East Lansing and enjoyed many years with their loved ones. Joan headed south again to Ann Arbor in 2021 to be closer to her daughter. During her stay at a senior independent living community, where she was dubbed the unofficial “Welcome Ambassador,” she made friends without effort, played bridge, and danced the night away.
Joan was always quick-witted and never hesitant to speak her mind. As so many know, Joan gave lovingly to strangers: whether it be paying off layaways at Christmas, buying car seats for families, or giving them the coat(s) off her back (and then complimenting them on how great they looked), the list goes on. Her sense of justice and infectious generosity, coupled with Howard’s calm demeanor–the journalist and the doctor–translated into a quintessential partnership, and sincerely, a force for good.
We will miss Joan’s theories on life and religion, her banter while playing cards, her passion for Michigan State sports, and her love of animals. With her contagious energy, she made every occasion more lively. And remembering this, there’s no doubt that she’s dancing in heaven, fully expecting us to carry on her legacy.
Without your stories, her legacy will remain incomplete, so we insist that you share your favorite memories of Joan (the good, the bad, and the ugly) by commenting below.
Also, to remember Joan, please consider donating to your local Humane Society, buying groceries for the person behind you in line, or a car seat for a family in need.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Howard Otto; daughter, Ruth Abood; son, Dennis Kitchen; daughter-in-law, Anita Otto; granddaughter, Carla Otto; granddaughter, Elisha Kitchen; and grandson, Tony Kitchen.
She is survived by three children, John Otto (Nancy), Dorianne Jentzen (Jeff), and Charlie Otto; and by son-in-law, Chris Abood; daughter-in-law, Diane Kitchen; grandchildren, Nikki, Kaitlin, Suzy, Mike, Kristin, Ellie, John Christopher, Robert, Christopher, Michael; and numerous great-grandchildren, spouses, friends, and families, who may or may not know how much she helped or cared about them.
Her family will have a private celebration of life and, in mid-July, a memorial service in Houghton.