Remembering Ange Oteri

The St. Michaels Community Center received news that SMCC Senior Programs and Office Aide Ange Oteri sadly passed away on November 1, 2022.

Ange joined the St. Michaels Community Center in 2005 and most recently coordinated our senior program and luncheons every Wednesday. She also helped in our office when not taking care of our seniors.

She started at SMCC as an office volunteer for Treasure Cove Thrift Shop. At that time, the office and Thrift Shop were in one location across from Sam’s Restaurant. She later went on to coordinate the Community Center’s seniors’ program and volunteer program for the Thrift Shop.

Prior to her time at SMCC, Ange worked as an administrative assistant for real estate and insurance companies while her children were growing up. Locals and visitors may also recall seeing Ange while working at Simpatico-Italy’s Finest for more than five years.

Her grandchildren lovingly referred to her as “Ya Ya” or “Mom- Mom.”

In a 2021 interview, Ange commented that her favorite activity was to connect with people, mostly through sitting, talking, and sharing a meal together at SMCC. 

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“Working with the seniors is rewarding because I feel like they enjoy coming here,” Ange said of her work at SMCC. “Some people live alone like I do, and for some, it’s the only place to have a conversation and be with other people. 

“For some, this is their only outlet to speak to people that have the same challenges and opportunities,” continued Ange regarding the seniors participating in SMCC’s programs. “They enjoy being with same-aged people.”

Ange said one of the most challenging aspects of her work at SMCC included helping seniors navigate through broader problems. 

​“Some welcome the help, some don’t want help,” said Ange. “The key is to help seniors without them feeling like they are losing their independence. Maybe they’re like me and don’t always ask for help when help is needed.”

When asked why she thought the St. Michaels Community Center's work is important, Ange replied, “The Community Center is for the community. It’s here for the kids to come after school as a safe place. The meals offer a place for our seniors to connect and have a place to feel a warm welcome and love. They enjoy our activities because it’s a place for everybody and a safety net for our community.”

Ange lived in St. Michaels at the time of her passing and was born in Manhattan, New York before moving to Brooklyn and Long Island. She graduated from Abraham Lincoln High School in Brooklyn, N.Y., living with her grandmother after her mother passed when Ange was 10 years old.

She went straight to work right after graduating high school, and later became a wife and mother of three children. For hobbies, Ange said that knitting was her calming tool whenever she became upset.
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Ange’s volunteer service focused during her time living on Tilghman Island and includes Tilghman United Methodist Church, Tilghman Island Volunteer Fire Company, and the Tilghman Watermen’s Museum. 

​“Ange was one of the longest-serving volunteers and employees at SMCC,” said SMCC Executive Director Patrick Rofe in a memo to staff and supporters. “Most recently she led the Senior Program and was actively involved in all SMCC events. She will be deeply missed at SMCC and in St. Michaels.”

​Ange Oteri is dearly missed. 

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Please Note: You can find Ange's obituary and service arrangements at Frampton Funeral Home.