Services Set For Moorestown Woman Who Emmigrated From Germany

Ottilie “Otti” Helene Czossek

February 12, 1924 - June 6, 2018

Ottilie “Otti” Helene Czossek was born to Ludwig and Wilhelmina Samulowitz on February 12, 1924, in Neidenburg, Germany (East Prussia). She was the fifth of eight children: Frieda, Berta, Marta, Guste, Otti, Walter, Edith, and Ali. As a young woman, she attended Secretarial School and developed a love for working with numbers. In 1949, Otti married Alfred Czossek and they lived together in Germany, first in Bohmte, then in Hooksiel, a fishing village on the North Sea.

In May of 1956, together with their two children, Christel and Eckard, they left their homeland and set sail for a new life in America. This was a bold and courageous move for Otti, as she was leaving her family and community behind. Alfred, Otti, and their children arrived in Moorestown, New Jersey, with two suitcases, beloved photos, a bedroom set, a treadle sewing machine, and the will to thrive.

The Episcopal Church on Main Street housed them for the first several years, before they purchased a house on Evergreen Drive. This became the home in which Otti raised her children, welcomed her grandchildren, hosted friends, and lived until she passed.

Otti was able to put her knowledge of banking to work at the Burlington County Trust Company, now Wells Fargo, in the center of Moorestown. Her proficiency with numbers led her to the Comptroller’s Office where she manually reconciled the bank’s General Ledger on a daily basis. She held her position for 25 years until she retired in 1986. Decades later, she fondly spoke of her love for resolving discrepancies, delivering the President’s daily report on-time at 10am, and never missing a cent.

Otti’s inherent curiosity and thirst for knowledge was on display every morning as she read the newspaper and consistently perused the World Book Encyclopedia for a better understanding of various topics. Moved by an insatiable wanderlust, she traveled all over the world to explore new places, experience different cultures, and visit with family. In fact, at eight-six years old, she and her beloved friend, Ernst, even road-tripped cross-country from California to New Jersey!

Locally, she built a community of friends wherever she went, including the Germania Männerchor and her bowling league. Otti was genuinely interested in people and their well-being, while delighting in sharing her playful nature.

Otti loved living in Moorestown, which served as the home to her growing family: Christel married Andrew and welcomed Stewart, Eric, and David into the world; Eckard married Sandy and the family grew again with the arrival of Sommer.

Her grandchildren and their spouses, Kendra and Audrey, her great-grandchildren, Mackenzie and Luke, and the Hartnett sisters, Allison, Isabella, and Lauren, affectionately called her “Oma”. She made it known to them that games are meant to be played, that good food is central to sharing love with family and friends, and that her “door is always open.”

One pillar of Otti’s individual strength was her quiet and steadfast faith. Over her lifetime, Otti endured many challenges and tragedies, particularly during World War II. These experiences, combined with her life’s blessings, were transformed into an unfaltering, positive personal philosophy that “life is beautiful”. This was apparent to friends and family who often commented: “I have never heard her complain.” Otti was a compassionate, loving, calm, and grateful woman.

Oma, you were beautiful. You brought light into our lives every day! We will miss you, always.

Funeral service is 10:30 a.m. on Monday at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 318 Chester Avenue in Moorestown. Viewing is Monday, 9:30 a.m.- 10:30 a.m. at the Church. Interment Lakeview Memorial Park Cinnaminson, NJ. Please No Flowers.

Condolences may be left at www.lewisfuneralhomemooretown.com.