Cynthia Ott

Cynthia Jane Ott passed away peacefully on May 12, 2018 in the presence of her spouse and adult children after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease.  She was born February 6, 1947 in Columbus, Ohio to parents Col. Walter and Jane (Scott) Cook.  Cynde was an amazing daughter, wife, mother, and grandmother.  She grew up as a military dependent and lived in many places including Alabama, Illinois, Virginia, England and San Antonio, Texas, where her father held his last assignment in the Air Force.  That's where she met her spouse of 50 years, Bruce Ott, while she was working a summer job at Howard Johnson's.

She attended college at Texas Tech University along with her then fiancee, Bruce.  After they graduated, Bruce was commissioned into the Air Force and the couple lived in Lubbock, TX, Sacramento, CA, and Phoenix, AZ, before settling in Plano, TX, when her husband started a career as a pilot at American Airlines in 1978.

Cynde quickly became involved in her church, St Elizabeth Ann Seton in Plano.  She was on the bereavement committee, facilitated bible studies and retreats but her most recognized accomplishment was introducing and starting MOMS (Ministry of Mothers Sharing) in the Dallas Diocese.  MOMS (Ministry of Mothers Sharing) was such an integral part of Cynde's life.  She provided training to a core group of women at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, in Plano and went out to other parishes to help train women to become MOMS facilitators.  This movement began a ripple effect that helped countless women throughout the Diocese to foster a deeper Christian commitment to their marriages and families.  Furthermore, MOMS provided a support system for women.  Cynde worked tirelessly and selflessly in her endeavors to see the continued spread of this Ministry. She was instrumental in facilitating growth in the faith journey of many individuals.  Cynde was also a Eucharistic Minister at St Elizabeth Ann Seton.

Cynde was a member of a Red Hat group that had its start in 2004.  Long after the group discarded the hats, they stayed together as the Scarlet Heart Sisterhood. Meeting monthly, the women fostered a spirit of fun and fellowship with one another. Bowling was also a longtime passion for Cynde.  Participation in the Plano Super Bowl Thursday Girls League was something she truly enjoyed.  Her teammates kept her coming until four years ago at which time her Alzheimer's prevented her from participating any longer.

Cynde's greatest joy in life was her family.  She adored being a wife and took great pride in her marriage.  She blessed and adored her three children, their spouses and eight grandchildren.  One of the highlights of each year was when she and her husband would accompany the grandchildren on an annual summer "Big Kid Trip".  When Cynde wasn't giving tirelessly to her family and her church she was managing her husband's homebuilding and gardening businesses.  She spent her early years in Plano working at the library and continued to do so as a volunteer when her children were in school. She also volunteered as a leader with her children's scouting. Cynde was frequently referred to as "St Cynde" because of her love, kindness, and desire to give selflessly to others.  She fought Alzheimer's valiantly with her husband Bruce, who was her caregiver. They traveled the world for as long as Cynde was able.  They spent the last 10 years visiting places such as the British Isles, Baltic Sea, Rome, Mediterranean, Caribbean Sea, Alaska and, more importantly, trips to visit her family. The most beautiful gift Cynde gave to the world was her devout and never-ending faith. She was an inspiration for all whose lives she touched and will be missed everyone that knew her.

Cynde is survived by her husband Bruce Ott, children Jennifer Cushman and her husband Paul, Dennis Ott and his wife Shannon, Christopher Ott and his wife Ashley, grandchildren Allison, Andrew, Stewart, Madison, Adella, Lilibeth, Vaughn, Avery and another grandson on the way. She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings Carol Cook, Thomas Cook and Allison Cook.

The family will receive friends at a Vigil Service on Thursday, May 24, 2018 at 7:00 pm at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 2700 W. Spring Creek Pkwy., Plano, TX 75023. A Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at 10:00 am on Friday, May 25, 2018 also at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. Cynde will be laid to rest following the mass at DFW National Cemetery in Dallas.

If desired, the family suggests memorials be made to the Alzheimer's Association, Dallas Chapter (800)272-3900, ( www.alz.org ) or to Catholic Charities Dallas (ccdallas.org).