Nell Wall Otto 11/03/21
Nell Duncan Wall Otto was born on October 6, 1951, the cherished daughter of May Howard Wall and Edwin Craig Wall, in Conway, SC. She lost her valiant battle with cancer surrounded by family on November 3, 2021.
She is survived by her husband of 46 years, John Francis Otto, Jr. of Greenwich, twin daughters Blair Otto Bijou (Craig) and Sarah Otto Kohart (Brett), both of Darien, CT, and son John (Jay) Russell Otto of New York City; incredible grandchildren Maisie and Armstrong Bijou, Campbell and Nell Kohart; her sister, Harriet Wall Martin (D.G.) of Chapel Hill, NC; sistersinlaw Suzie Otto and Diane Otto and Karen Otto of Greenwich, Ct, plus numerous adoring nieces and nephews, all entertained and buoyed by her vibrant and loving presence. Nell was predeceased by her brother, Edwin Craig Wall, Jr., and her sister, May Ervin Wall. Nell also was devoted to her long time aid Luz, a devoted caregiver and friend.
After an idyllic childhood in Conway and on the beach in South Carolina, Nell went on to graduate Summa Cum Laude/Phi Beta Kappa from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where she was also president of Delta Delta Delta. After graduation, Nell moved to New York City where she began her family. After the of her third child she moved to Greenwich, CT from where she expanded her magnetic presence and gift of entertaining.
Nell spearheaded and chaired many events throughout the years in Greenwich, as well as Nantucket and Palm Beach. She dazzled everyone with her attention to detail and infused all of her events with her sense of fun. Nell could turn any ordinary occasion into a magical experience. She had a gift of disarming anyone around her by dropping an ‘off color’ remark or story at exactly the right moment or making a joke at her own expense. Her self-deprecation was as outrageous and joyful as her competitiveness was spirited and contagious, with no one enjoying her own foibles more than Nell herself! She was especially accomplished at writing and delivering witty, commemorative poems and toasts.
She was an expert at entertaining and party favors, sophisticated in her décor style, nearly encyclopedic in her knowledge of books and grammar and a virtual authority on bridge. She shared her knowledge of bridge through teaching and tournament play complete with an admirable accumulation of Master points. Her extensive roster of “best friends” will miss her expertise and advice on all things and will treasure her memory years to come.
Nell is unforgettable. She was a unique-one of a kind personality. Those of us who knew and loved her will remember her always for her generosity of spirit, her wit, her humor, and her inimitable charm and style. To Nell, everyone she met was a peer and she left adoring memorable impressions at every introduction. Her light will continue to shine in our memories as it did throughout her wonderful life. Thanks be to God for the life of Nell Duncan Wall Otto. A memorial service is planned at a date in early December.