Kathleen Bree Pondolfino, 89, of Oneonta, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2008.

Kathleen was born January 31, 1919 to Robert and Martha Boles in Delhi, New York.

She spent a happy childhood growing up on a farm with her six older brothers and sisters in Platner Brook. She graduated from the AJ Kellogg School in Treadwell at the age of 16 and received the first of two degrees from Delhi Technical College in 1937. Upon graduating, Kathleen went to work as a secretary at Meridale Farms where she met her eventual husband, Ronald Bree. They were married on October 10, 1948 and moved to Oneonta where they would raise their family. Ronald died on March 27, 1972. She married Joseph Pondolfino, Sr. of Oneonta in June 1976 and he predeceased her in September 1976. She later worked for many years as a legal secretary for her stepson, Joseph Pondolfino Jr., a job she loved waking up for each day until the time came to retire. Kathleen was a long-time member of the First Presbyterian Church, and could always be seen helping out at the rummage sale and was a frequent volunteer at Saturday's Bread.

Throughout her life, what Kathleen cherished most was the time she spent with her family and friends. She was a gifted storyteller, employing her quick wit and humor as she shared stories about her and her brothers' escapades on the farm, going to barn dances and her frequent travels to New York City. She loved sewing, gardening, making apple pies, doing crosswords and playing Scrabble. She never turned down an invitation to dance or to bet on #7 at the races. Everyone who knew Kathleen was better because of it, and she taught her family through example how to love unconditionally and live life fully with grace and dignity. Her warm smile, quiet strength, tender embrace and willingness to give of herself will be forever missed.

Kathleen is lovingly remembered by her surviving family who include her sister, Alyce Zimmerman of Delhi; her son and daughter-in-law, Brian and Cynthia Bree of Brooklet, GA; daughters and sons-in-law, Nancy and Art Corozza of Fort Mill, SC; Mona and Michael Makofsky of Hurleyville, NY; Penelope and Paul Sweet of Oneonta; her eight grandchildren, Nicole, Heather and Scott Pearson and his wife Diana; Meredith and Nicholas Makofsky; McKenzie and Alexa Bree; William Burgin and his wife, Angie; her four great grandchildren, Cameron Pearson, and Eliane, Elijah, and Isaiah Burgin as well as many nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 22, 2008 with the family in attendance at the Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono Funeral Home, Oneonta.

The funeral service will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 23, 2008 at the First Presbyterian Church, 296 Main Street, Oneonta.

Memorial contributions may be made to Catskill Area Hospice & Palliative Care, 1Birchwood Drive, Oneonta, NY 13820.

Arrangements are by the Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono Funeral Home, 51 Dietz St., Oneonta, www.lhpfuneralhome.com