Lydia Ann Ottinger

Lydia Ottinger February 18, 1933 – March 8, 2026 Corona, California

Lydia Ottinger, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, teacher, and friend, passed away peacefully on March 8, 2026, in Corona, California, at the age of 93.

Lydia was born on February 18, 1933, in Hanford, California, to Joseph and Asencion Alcoser. She was the eldest of ten children and shared a close bond with her siblings: sisters Adeline, Emily, Pauline, Dorothy, and Barbara, and brothers Joseph, Gilbert, Fred, and Rudy.

In 1956, Lydia married Dwight “Duke” Ottinger after the two met while attending Fresno State. Together they built a loving family and were blessed with three children: Steve (Maria), John (Annett), and Pamela (Dave). Lydia was also a proud grandmother to eight grandchildren: Steven (deceased), Jonathan, Kristopher, Sarah, Jessica, Daniel, Paige, and Carson.

Lydia earned her Master’s in Education with a minor in Spanish and went on to dedicate nearly 40 years to education in the Corona–Norco Unified School District. Most of her career was spent teaching at Garretson Elementary School, where she was deeply respected and loved by both her students and colleagues. Known as a loving yet firm and fair teacher, Lydia believed in listening to her students and encouraging them to do their best. Over the years, she received countless thank-you notes from students, parents, and fellow educators whose lives she had touched. Even after retirement, Lydia continued her passion for teaching by working as a substitute teacher.

In her younger years, Lydia enjoyed playing a variety of sports. As an adult, she enjoyed golfing and playing bridge, but her greatest passion was music and singing. She served as a cantor at St. Edward Catholic Church for many years and was also a member of the Riverside Bells singing group.

Lydia was a truly compassionate and generous person. She had a remarkable heart for helping others and was known for quietly supporting families in need by providing food and clothing. Her kindness, generosity, and dedication to her community made a lasting impact on everyone who knew her.

Lydia will be remembered for her warmth, her faith, her love for her family, and the countless lives she touched as an educator and friend.

She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her family, friends, former students, and community.