Mary Lee Bittinger

Mary Lee “Fritz” Bittinger (Harbison), born on Nov 10, 1939 in Tarentum, PA passed from this earth on Dec 19, 2020, having lived for 81 years.  Fritz was a strong woman with a giving heart and a loving soul. She worked hard to provide for her four children who are now living around the country. For many years she worked at Shop N Save in Natrona Heights and people would stop by the Deli just to say hello.  Fritz always talked glowingly about her children, her grandchildren and her great-grandchildren. She was extremely proud of each and every one of them and their achievements.

Fritz loved to play cards, do crossword puzzles and to dance - the three passions of her life. Mary Lee’s beloved dog Holly, passed in 2012 and her ashes will be buried with her. She also enjoyed visiting and spending time with her eight siblings. Being the baby of her family, they all adored her and loved to help her and spend time with her.

Though Alzheimer’s took over the later part of her life, she kept the smile on her face and love in her heart. Food – any food, Reese’s Cups and Coffee were very important to her.   

Fritz is survived by her four children and their families: Chris & Ann Olesnevich (Melbourne, FL), Curt & Lorna Olesnevich (Oklahoma City, OK), Barbara English & Greg Gottner (The Keys, FL) and Bryan & Regina Olesnevich, (Tarentum, PA). She also was the proud grandmother of ten grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.  All were very proud of her and all that she did for them. She will be greatly missed. Also surviving are her sisters Mabel Parker, of Buffalo Township and Mae (Donald) Moser, of Forest, VA.

Besides her parents, Jay G. “Goldie” and Mary (McMeans) Harbison, she was preceded in death by her husband William J. “Bunk” Bittinger in 1999; her siblings Howard, Harold, Robert and William Harbison, Dorothy Hummell and Genevieve Shay.

                A private family visitation and service was held in the Duster Funeral Home, Inc. 347 E 10^th Ave, Tarentum, 724-224-1526 with Chaplain Dave Muir, officiating. Graveside burial was held in Mt. Airy Cemetery, Natrona Heights. Family suggests contributions to Alzheimer’s Association. VISIT: dusterfh.com