Donnajean Ovitt

BAKERSFIELD - Our beautiful wife, mom and wowie left this earth to be with her other two sons Darren and Chad on March 3, 2024 surrounded by those who will miss her dearly.

Donna lived most of her life as a wife, married 61 years to her beloved guy and best friend, Dennis Ovitt. Together, they raised a beautiful "crew" including 7 children, 18 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren on the Ovitt Home Farm in Bakersfield, their forever home.

Donna was born November 12, 1943 to Arnold and Stella Tatro (Tetreault) and lived her childhood in Montgomery surrounded by grandparents, aunts, uncles and Chee-wee who spoiled and cherished her as the only child.

Donna attended Montgomery Elementary School, Enosburg Falls High School and graduated from Champlain College in 1963 with her Associate's degree alongside those who became lifelong friends.

As Donna's children aged she found herself volunteering in their classrooms, she enjoyed the blend of working outside the home yet directly with her children. Soon after, she joined Dennis at IBM in Essex. Donna worked mostly in manufacturing, yet also enjoyed her role as librarian for a number of years. She retired from IBM.

Donna's joy in life was always centered around Dennis and the 6 children they raised. Anthony (Tony) Ovitt and girlfriend Jeni Spears; Darren and wife Tina Ovitt; Jennifer and husband Aaron Wright; Bradley and wife Amber Ovitt; Barry and wife Debra Ovitt; Belinda and husband Jared Bessette. Once married and having children of their own, she felt even more blessed by her precious grandchildren and soon thereafter, great grandchildren.

Her beloved grandchildren called her Gramma B, Mema and now Wowie...which most people know her as. Whitney Ovitt, Miranda & husband Hunter Buffam, Jason & wife Brandie Ovitt, Jordan & wife Amanda Ovitt, Brandy & husband Doug Kittell, Taylor & husband Dakota Gagne, Tiffani & husband Justin Smith, Tricia Wright, Dawson Perley, Levi Webb, Cadence Ovitt, Ethan Ovitt, Aspyn Ovitt, Mychala Ovitt, Mariah Ovitt and fiancé Hunter West, Brynn, Joslyn & Kierstyn Bessette; and great grandchildren Lennox Buffam, Nevaeh, Montannah, & Oakley Ovitt, Jeremiah, Jacob, & Sophia Ovitt, Austen & Alexis Kittell, Aurora & Kennedy Gagne, Madelyn Smith, Kylie & Kenzie West.

Watching her kids and grandkids play a sport, perform an activity, or be celebrated for a job well done was the highlight of Wowie's life! She also loved family vacations to Maine and Disney World, many trips to Santa's Village and of course the beach where she loved to pick shells. Shopping was also a favorite of hers...she loved spoiling others. When at home she could be found snuggling her babies in her rocking chair or comfy bed, later in life nestled in her own cozy nightgown. Wowie was known for her honest opinions, her gentle reminders of 'this too shall pass' and 'patience is a virtue my girl/boy', her precious hugs...and her treats of peanut butter fudge, peanut butter cups and many other goodies she loved to share!

Donna is now reunited with her 2 sons, Chad Ovitt who passed at 2 weeks old and Darren Ovitt, at age 53. Her Dad, Arnold Tatro, she lost when she was 2 years old to WWII. Her mom Stella and her life partner Chee Wee. Her cherished Meme and Pepe. Her most beloved Aunt Cornelia (Connie), Uncle Charles (Charlie). Her 15 year-old grandson Dawson Perley. Her in-laws Wendell and Evelyn Ovitt, Duane Ovitt, and Cora Ovitt. We know the smiles and hugs that welcomed her, which helps heal our sorrowful hearts, a little.

Donna's memorial service will be held at a later date.

Condolences, photos and favorite memories may be shared through www.gossfs.com