Leigh Otey Cortez

Leigh Otey Cortez of Carlsbad died March 9, 2016 following a courageous fight with cancer.

Born October 5, 1950 in Sumter, SC, Leigh was the only daughter of the late Kirkwood “Pete” & Mary Leigh Otey of Charlotte, NC. She was a graduate of East Carolina University and earned a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from California State University, Long Beach.
Leigh was a dedicated elementary school teacher who treasured her time in the classroom and loved helping children discover the world through reading. She taught at schools in North Carolina, Virginia, California and Hawaii throughout her 25-year career and touched the lives of countless students.

Leigh was passionate about cooking, reading, travel and just about every person who crossed her path. She adored her vast community of friends who will cherish the memory of her many parties and hours upon hours of laughter. Leigh’s greatest love of all was being a mother to her two children. Her warm smile, infectious laugh and generous spirit will be missed by all.

Leigh is survived by her husband of 42 years Major General, U.S. Marine Corps (Ret.) Chris Cortez, her son Christopher Wade Cortez of Los Angeles, and daughter Virginia Leigh “Gini” Cortez of Seattle. She is also survived by her brothers Kirk Otey of Charlotte, NC and Wade Otey of Alexandria, VA, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

A service celebrating Leigh’s life will be held at 4 p.m. on Thursday, March 17, 2016 at La Costa Resort & Spa, 2100 Costa Del Mar Road, Carlsbad.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Coastal Community Foundation in care of the Leigh Cortez Scholarship Fund, established to help teachers achieve advanced degrees in education. Please indicate “Leigh Cortez Scholarship Fund” in the memo line for donations in form of check or in the ‘Purpose’ field if donating online. 162 S. Rancho Santa Fe Rd, F-50, Encinitas, CA 92024; www.coastalfoundation.org.