Anona M. "Mitzi" Duimstra, 81, of Fayetteville, died peacefully in the arms of her daughter, Susan; granddaughters, Lyndsey and Holly; and great-grandsons, C.J. and Russel on Sunday, May 8.
She was formerly of Harmony, New Jersey, where she raised her three children. She was born October 29, 1940 in Bangor, Pennsylvania to the late Pearl May (Ackerman) Bittenbender and John Lester Bittenbender. She was a 1958 graduate of Washington High School, Washington, New Jersey and Empire Beauty School. She began her career in food service at the Harmony Township Elementary School cafeteria and retired to North Carolina in 1998 from Aramark. In her retirement she enjoyed her quiet life with her beloved shih tzus, Minnie of 17 years, and Belle. She never missed the opportunity to celebrate with her family on holidays. She also enjoyed poolside gatherings, and loved being around her granddaughters and great-grandsons and their friends, who absolutely adored 'Gramma' as she kept them all on their toes or in tears of laughter. She was also quite the bowler and dancer in her younger years, always trying to teach the younger generations.
She was predeceased by her parents; son, David Louis; grandson, Anthony John Policelli; and siblings, Beverly Buzzuto, and John and William Bittenbender. She is survived by her daughter, Sue (Jose) Ogas of Fayetteville; brother, James (Marilyn) Bittenbender of Burlington, New Jersey; sister, Patricia DeFranco of Bangor, Pennsylvania; granddaughters, Lyndsey and Holly Thatcher of Fayetteville; grandson, Daniel Policelli and his mother, Donna of Bangor, Pennsylvania; and great-grandsons, C.J. and Russel of Fayetteville.
Her life will be celebrated, in her home, surrounded by the family and friends who fulfilled her life with love and happiness .