March 4, 1920 - Nov. 19, 2015 - Charlotte Minna Luise Oltman (nee Mecklenburg). Our dear Mother, Grandmother, 'Omama', Tante - Friend, retained interest and joy in life all her days. Her humour, enduring curiosity, and astute observations, made us laugh and think, and love to be with her. Born in Varel, Germany, she was the youngest child and only daughter of Anton and Freda Mecklenburg; predeceased (Second World War) by both brothers, Werner and Helmut, and by her first husband, Herbert Piesarski. Also by their daughter, Heide (2012), and by her former husband, Bill Oltman (Wilhelm Oltmanns, 2006); and long-time companion, George Newbold; Lottie is survived by daughters Ursula Oltman (Scott Widmeyer) and Mary (Allon) Reddoch, and by Heide's daughter, Cynthia (Don) Laurin, and her children and grandchild. Waterloo was the first home in Canada for Lottie and family, and their adjustment to life in this new country was helped beyond measure by the kindly involvement of people there; especially neighbours and members of St. John's Lutheran Church (then at Waterloo). Lottie eventually came to work at Dominion Life, and Bill at Dubrick Real Estate. In 1962, they purchased the Fairhaven Nursing Home (now Princess Court), and the family moved to Kincardine. Soon after, they built the original Maitland Manor Nursing Home in Goderich. Within a few years, they expanded Maitland Manor, opened a senior residence (Maple Grove) in Goderich, converted Fairhaven to a residence, and built a new nursing home in Southampton. Lottie loved her new work, and the residents, and truly wonderful staff became like extended family. She also loved living in Kincardine, and came back to it following a few years return to Waterloo after she and Bill divorced. For a while, Lottie liked to travel, but mostly she enjoyed being home, in her cheerful apartment, looking out to the harbour and to the lake. She lawn-bowled for as long as she could, kept up with events (world, sports and family) on her computer, and played bridge almost to her last breath. But it was from the people around her that she drew the greatest happiness. Her friends made her world go 'round. Special thanks to Terry and Marilyn Kummer, and to Kim Williams who helped Lottie live independently despite increasing health problems, to the Lodge staff at Trillium Court for making her last months comfortable, and to Dr. Gary Gurbin and the nurses at Kincardine hospital who were there when she needed help most. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Davey-Linklater Funeral Home, Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2015, at 11 a.m. Donations to the Kincardine and Community Health Care Foundation or the Kincardine Scottish Pipe Band would be appreciated.
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