Obituary: Leann Rittenbaum Ott

The world lost a warrior and beloved wife, daughter, sister and friend Nov. 1, 2018. Leann Rittenbaum Ott, age 33, passed away peacefully as a result of complications from cystic fibrosis.

Born Aug. 15, 1985, Leann lived her life full of vibrancy, strength, positivity and wit that permeated everything she did and everyone she touched. She grew up in Atlanta and attended Boston University, where she received her bachelor’s in art history. Though she adored Beantown, she moved back to Atlanta, where she met the love of her life, husband Doug Ott.

Her fierce love for family; passion for good art and good food; impressive library of conquered novels; and the occasional jigsaw puzzle colored their lives, along with their united and dedicated approach to Leann’s health. No matter the trials cystic fibrosis posed, Leann’s spirit and intense dedication to always rise above showed itself on every occasion.

There was no greater demonstration of Leann’s fighting spirit than when she received a double lung transplant in March 2018. In Leann’s words, “brb, going to get my new lungs!” The grace, peace, poise and willpower shown through that time paints the picture of Leann; Leann had cystic fibrosis, but it did not have her.

Leann is survived by husband, Doug Ott; parents, Karen and Scott Rittenbaum; sister, brother-in-law, and niece, Emma, Reid and Avery Armstrong; and the loving army that is the Rittenbaum, Ott and Cooper extended family.

A funeral service was held on Tuesday, Nov. 6 at Arlington Memorial Park, followed by shiva at the home of Karen and Scott Rittenbaum.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, www.cff.org, or 57 Executive Park South, Suite 380, Atlanta, 30329.

Leann’s colorful, piquant take on life inspires us all, and though she is desperately missed, we know she is breathing easy now.

“There are moments that the words don’t reach. There is a grace too powerful to name.”
-Lin-Manuel Miranda, “Hamilton”