Syd Ortmann

1951-04-28 2007-02-12
(Published on February 14, 2007, in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch)

Ortmann, Sydney J. (nee Lawrence), Monday, February 12, 2007, baptized into the hope of Christ's resurrection.

Beloved wife of Richard L. Ortmann; dear mother and  mother-in-law of Samatha (Douglas) Sneed, Kathryn (Gregory) Meyer and Jacob Ortmann; dear grandmother of Killian, Brady, Alyssa, Alexis and Greg; dear daughter of Beverly and the late Jay Lawrence; dear sister and sister-in-law of Linda (Mark) Grinter and the late Christopher Lawrence; our dear aunt, cousin and friend.

Services: from Ortmann's, 9222 Lackland, Overland, Thursday, February 15, 9:30 a.m. to All Souls Church for  10 a.m. Mass. Interment Private. Visitation 3-8 p.m. Wednesday.

Syd and I became good friends through Confirmation and youth group activities at Northminster Presbyterian Church. Through the years I lost touch with all of my high school friends, but occasionally I would talk with Syd and the years would melt away. No matter how much time had passed, Syd's quick laugh and warm personality made me feel instantly connected as we once were. I will always regret that I wasn't there for Syd during her illness, so use the opportunity of this reunion to reconnect with those who were so important to you when you were young. I love you Syd and will forever carry you in my heart!

tribute by Chris Davenport White

I got to know Syd when we double-dated a couple of Eagle Scouts our senior year. She was a thoroughly nice person and I enjoyed spending time with her. The last time I saw her, my mom and I were back for a brief visit the summer of 1970. I was coming down the escalator at Northland Famous-Barr and there was Syd, flashing that million-dollar smile. We shared a hug and did some catching up. I was so sorry to see her on this page, but thank you, Barb, for sharing with us some of the happiness Syd had in life.

tribute by Jill Maret Ferguson

Even though I was not from Syd's class, I was best friends with Syd's sister Linda. My sister Chris was a good friend of Syd's for years. I was sorry to hear that she has passed away. I remember all the fun times we had at Northminster Church youth group. 1969 was a great class of people.

tribute by Donna Davenport Schmelig

Syd was one of my few RGHS classmates who was taller than I was. And I remember that she always made me laugh...mostly because she was usually laughing. What memories I have of her great sense of humor. I hadn't kept in touch with her (or really anyone) since graduation and I am saddened to hear she won't be with us next summer.

tribute by Cyndy Whitacre Harting

Syd was one of those rare individuals who easily shared her joy for life. Her ability to make someone feel instantly comfortable was a real gift. I will treasure the laughs we shared in Mr. Robertson's biology class!

tribute by Marilyn Varney Bader

Syd was my best friend for over 40 years. She had a wonderful life as a wife (to Rich for 33 years), mother (of three), grandmother (of five), friend (to many), godmother (to my son) and a well respected interior designer--I never painted a room for which she didn't choose the color. She loved, laughed and lived fully. One of her favorite lines was from Steel Magnolias--"laughter through tears is my favorite emotion." Her life wasn't without trials, but she lived as though her glass was three-quarters full and from having a wonderful family to a trip to Paris with her mother, sister (Linda Lawrence, Class of '71) and daughters, many of her life's dreams came true. She is still deeply missed by her family and friends.

tribute by Barb Uttley

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