Edith G. Reitz Olsen

Edith G. Reitz Olsen died Friday at Oakwood Terrace, Moosic. Her husband, Wilbur Olsen, preceded her in death.

She was born in Wiesbaden, Germany, and was the daughter of the late Heinrich and Katherina Wittekind Reitz.

She was extremely athletic as a youth in Germany. She was an accomplished foil fencer and was a fast sprinter and beat both girls and boys. She had the potential opportunity to go to the Olympics for fencing but was cancelled due to WWII. After the war, she met and married an American soldier and they came to America in the early 1950's.

She had worked as a German/English secretary for various companies, including Leitz Inc. (Leica Camera). Before her retirement in 1991, she was executive secretary for a senior partner of a major law firm in New York city. She was a dedicated mother and daughter who worked as a single mom to help raise her only son.

Edith enjoyed gardening very much and worked in her garden well into her 90's. She also went to many nursing homes to play the piano for the residents and had played the organ for several churches in New York City.

She is survived by her only son, Dr. Kevin H. Olsen and his fiancée, Suzi; a loving grandson, Robert and wife, Nicole, of California; and stepgranddaughters, Sierra and Carla Bellenzeni, Moosic.

The family wishes to thank the nurses and staff at Oakwood Terrace from the wonderful care given to Edith.

Visitation will be Wednesday from 10 a.m. to noon with a service at noon from the Jacob Davis Funeral Home, 422 S. Main St., Taylor.

Memorial contributions may be made to Griffin Pond Animal Shelter or to St.Cats@NayAug.com.

Interment will be private.