Carolyn Anita Ott (née DeDecker), a cherished resident of Rumson for over 70 years, passed away peacefully at the age of 95.
Carlolyn was born on Valentine’s Day 1930 in North Bergen. She and her late husband, Edward, moved to Rumson to raise their family and remained deeply rooted in the community for the rest of their lives.
A woman of many interests, she was often found tending to her beautiful garden or enjoying the company of her many dear friends at the Rumson Senior Citizens Club. She was also a long-time member of the congregation at First Presbyterian Church of Rumson.
Though she loved her life in New Jersey, Carolyn always looked forward to traveling south to Georgia and Florida to visit her extended family, maintaining those close bonds across the miles.
She is survived by her son Edward Jr. and his wife Kate, her grandchildren, Anna and Timothy, and five great-grandchildren. Her legacy of kindness, a green thumb, and vibrant spirit will be missed by the many family members and friends who loved her dearly.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Feb. 27, with a short service at 6:30 p.m. at Thompson Memorial Home, 310 Broad St., Red Bank. A celebration of life event will be held at 12:30 p.m. Feb. 28 at the Rumson Fire Company, 140 East River Road, Rumson. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at stjude.org.
The article originally appeared in the February 26 – March 4, 2026 print edition of The Two River Times.
