OLYMPIA E. OTTO's Obituary
Olympia Elissa Otto, or “Pat,” as she was known to all her friends and loved ones, “Mom” to her children, and “Mima” to her grandchildren, was the cherished daughter of Olympia and August Serrao. A devoted daughter, beloved wife, loving mother, and proud grandmother, she will be best remembered for her sweet, gentle spirit and boundless, selfless love.
Pat was born in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania on March 20, 1936, to a hardworking immigrant Italian family. She and her two brothers were raised in East Liberty, PA until 1947 when her family moved to Miami, Florida, where Pat attended and graduated from Horace Mann Middle School in 1950 and Miami Edison High School in 1954.
She met the love of her life, Edgar, when he was visiting his uncle who lived nearby and by chance Pat was babysitting his cousin. “Eddie” would court “Patty” every summer visit until the “Summer Sweethearts” turned to a lifetime of marriage on December 18, 1954.
After his honorable discharge from the U.S. Navy, Eddie and Patty moved to West Miami to make their home. There they welcomed their firstborn—daughter, Debra Lynn. The young family relocated to North Miami where they greeted three more children: Elissa Marie, Edgar Edwin, Jr., and Mark Anthony.
Pat turned a humble 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom house into a warm home filled with love and welcome for all who entered. Pat found the most joy in having her family together. For nearly forty years, families gathered, memories were made, and her unconditional love was felt by everyone who crossed its threshold.
Pat nourished both body and soul—sharing meals rooted in her Italian heritage and feeding hearts with the Word of God. While managing a busy household, she faithfully held “Good News Clubs,” spreading the name of Jesus to children in her neighborhood. Teaching others about Christ brought her joy, and her faith-filled life left a lasting impact on everyone she met.
Pat was active in the church. She taught Sunday School, sang in the choir and led her children to love the Lord. She attended Calvary Church in Pinewood, Dade County, before finding a home at Northwest Baptist Church in North Miami. Her sweet soprano voice complemented the choirs of both congregations. She found such joy in singing—in the church, around the home or in the Sweet Adeline’s Women’s Choir.
In 1981, Pat found a new way to serve the Lord—in an administrative role at Northwest Christian Academy (NWCA). There she found joy in serving the students and faculty with Christ-like love.
Pat and Ed greeted the arrival of their first grandchild, Joseph Reece in 1986, to be followed by five soon after: Karsten Erik in 1991, Chelsea Marie in 1993, Brandon Scott in 1993, Jesse Aaron in 1994 and Kaelyn Emily in 1995.
Grief struck with the arrival of the new millennium: on June 13, 2000, Pat lost Ed, her beloved husband and life partner of nearly 46 years. Then, in 2021, she suffered the heartbreaking loss of her precious daughter, Debra, on August 30.
Pat retired from NWCA in 2016 completing 35 years of dedicated service. She spent her remaining years watching her grandchildren continue to blossom. She celebrated their performances, attended their graduations, prayed for their challenges and rejoiced in their achievements. Her pride was evident in her infectious smile.
Pat led a full life filled with love for her family and Lord. She went home to be with our Lord Jesus Christ on the morning of August 5, 2025. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her. She is survived by her children, “Reece”, Eddie (Karen), and Mark; her grandchildren, Joseph, Karsten, Chelsea, Brandon, Jesse and Kaelyn; her brothers, Bob and Tony (Connie); her cousins, Tommy, Johnny, Michael and Elissa; her nieces, Gina, Julie and Tanya; her Northwest Baptist Church Family and her Northwest Christian Academy Family and Alumni.
Services will be held at noon on Saturday, August 30, 2025 at Northwest Baptist Church, 951 NW 136 St, North Miami, Florida, with viewing at 11AM. Services will be streamed on the church’s Facebook page.
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