PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Olga R. Kitterman, 88, of 75 Pine Grove Drive died Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2016, at Mount Carmel Care Center in Lenox, following a brief illness.

Born in Pittsfield on April 8 1927, daughter of Edward and Josephine Dondi, she attended local school. Thanks to their beauty, charm and poise, she and her sisters Claire Cote and Gloria Oppidi were the delight of family, friends and acquaintances alike, being collectively dubbed the "dandy Dondi" girls.

Primarily a homemaker, Mrs. Kitterman found employment outside the home at several points as an office worker, most notably at the former Adams Super Market on William Street and at the former Sears Roebuck in the Allendale Shopping Center.

These positions did not define her, however. Her shining achievement in life was raising her boys, and being a source of wisdom and joy for her grandchildren and the rest of the family. She was the "rock" of the family, always there when anyone needed her despite having endured an amazing amount of grief and loss during her life.

She never tired of giving of herself to others, and generously supported many veterans' charities over the years. She was also a music lover and known for her own fine singing voice, and loved to share her favorite crooners and big bands with old and young alike.  

At the age of 18, she married Edward M. Kitterman of Pittsfield. She and her "beloved Eddie" enjoyed 35 years of marriage before his untimely passing in 1980 because of a heart illness. During that time they raised three sons, Thomas P. Kitterman and the late Edward M. "Mike" Kitterman Jr. and late Daniel T. Kitterman. They also gave birth to a daughter, Pamela, who died in infancy.

Besides her son and her beloved daughter-in-law, Diane, of New Lebanon, N.Y., she leaves her four grandchildren, Michael Kitterman of Ashville, N.C., Melissa Redfearn of Houston, Andrew Kitterman of Rensselaer, N.Y., and Timothy Kitterman of Troy, N.Y.; and a loving and admiring cadre of nieces, nephews and great-grandchildren.

FUNERAL NOTICE — The funeral for Mrs. Kitterman will be Friday, Feb. 26, at 11 at Flynn & Dagnoli-Bencivenga Funeral Home, 5 Elm St., Pittsfield. Burial will follow in St. Joseph's Cemetery.  

A calling hour will be held on Friday morning from 10 to 11. Memorial donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project in care of the funeral home.