It is with heavy hearts that the family announces her passing on Thursday, July 21st, 2016 at the Timmins and District Hospital at the age of 82.
Otti was a well known businesswoman and artist who dedicated her life to excellence. Whether capturing the beauty of the north through award winning photographs, or creating stunning functional pottery, Otti always aimed for the top.
Otti came to Canada in 1957 from Germany. She arrived in St. John’s Newfoundland, where she was re-united with Ilse Gross, her best friend since 1946. Otti moved to Timmins in November of 1957.

Quote from Otti:
“I wanted to see the world, and learn English. Coming to Canada was a good start”, she said. “I was 24, young, adventurous and thought, Canada, here I come!”

Within a year of her arrival in Timmins, her love of photography landed her a job at what was then Anderson Studio, on Third Avenue. From the time she was hired by Elmer Anderson, Otti put her heart and soul into the business. She did everything from cleaning the floors, to selling cameras at the front counter, to portrait and wedding photography.
When the opportunity came to buy the business, she did. Along with business partner, Ron Shalton (predeceased 2011), Otti expanded Anderson’s studio to also include a high-end gift section. Her aim was to promote Canadian arts and crafts. Otti and Ron owned and operated Anderson Studio from 1975 to 1990.
Otti’s passion for local landscape and wildlife photography eventually earned her membership in the Professional Photographers Association of Ontario, and also the Professional Photographers Association of Canada.
Along with several other local artists, Otti established an annual outdoor event on her property. The Garden of Art Show and Sale was a major summer event in Timmins for more than a decade.
The show usually included 6 artists and one guest, selling everything from textiles, to pottery, to paintings.
Although she made her living through photography, her real passion was pottery. She was known for her distinctive functional dinnerware. Her blueberry pattern was a perennial favourite.
Otti’s constant companions at home, were her beloved dogs. Several Rottweilers and Dachshunds enjoyed the freedom of her property over the years. Otti was an active outdoorswoman, and hiker – she travelled to the far north, to hike parts of Alaska, then to the far south, to explore the mountainous area of Patagonia. So, when it was time to walk the dogs, … the dogs always had the challenge of keeping up!
Otti was a very active member of the Timmins Downtown Business Association. She was also an avid supporter of the Timmins Symphony.
She leaves her husband Helmut (married, August 2nd, 1958). She is lovingly remembered by her family members in Germany, and friends in Canada and the U.S.A.
Cremation has taken place. As per Otti’s wishes, there will be no visitation or funeral service. In lieu of flowers, she has asked that donations be made in memoriam to Bird Studies Canada. Donations may be made directly at http://www.birdscanada.org/