Ottilie Adelaide Condolff

It is with love and gratitude that we celebrate the life of Ottilie Huether Condolff, who passed away after 99 years of a well lived life. Born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1925 to first-generation German immigrants, Ottilie embodied the values of perseverance, resilience, and integrity that shaped her almost century-long journey.

Ottilie was the beloved wife of the late Robert John Condolff, with whom she shared 73 years of marriage. Together they raised one daughter, Victoria Condolff Bevenour, Ottilie’s pride and joy.

Education was a cornerstone of her life. A 1943 graduate of Mary Lewis Academy, Ottilie went on to earn her bachelor’s degree from the City College of New York in 1947. Determined and ambitious, she then pursued her law degree, graduating from Brooklyn Law School in 1951 with her LLB, all while working full-time. Her first job was with Stetson Hats in New York City, where she worked during the day while attending law school at night — a testament to her drive and determination.

From 1960 until 1983, Ottilie worked in small law firms, often as the only non-attorney on staff. In these roles, she became what today would be known as a “paralegal” — though she was doing the work long before the term existed. Ottilie excelled in her profession, and she took pride in knowing that her work made a difference.

Her dedication to law was a natural reflection of her lifelong belief in justice. Whether it was assisting in complex lawsuits or standing up for fairness in the simplest matters — even a mis-marked item at the grocery store — Ottilie was always a champion for what was right.

After retiring to North Carolina in 1983, Ottilie continued her lifelong fight for justice through volunteerism. For more than ten years she gave her time and talent to various organizations, most notably the Guardian ad Litem Program in Durham, NC, supporting court appointed attorneys in advocating for children’s rights. This role best exemplified the woman she was — a firm and unyielding advocate in the fight for justice, paired with a tender heart that cared deeply for children and their future. Her tireless efforts earned her recognition as Volunteer of the Year. Her favorite cause, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, further reflected her lifelong commitment to protecting the most vulnerable.

Ottilie will be remembered for her strength, integrity and high standards, balanced by a soft heart that she shared with loved ones. She was a devoted wife, proud mother, dedicated professional and steadfast advocate for justice. Ottilie is reunited in peace with her beloved Robert, and she is survived by her daughter, Victoria, and her extended family.

Her life will be honored with the family receiving friends on Thursday October 23rd from 3:30 to 7:00 PM at the Brown Wynne Funeral Home, 200 S.E. Maynard Road, Cary, NC 27511, and then again at a Memorial Mass on October 24th at 10:30 AM at the St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church, 625 Magdala Place, Apex, NC 27502. On that same day, October 24th the family invites friends to witness the inurnment of both Ottilie and Robert and their late, son in law Jerome Bevenour at the Eastern Carolina State Veterans Cemetery, 164 Longs Plant Farm Road, Goldsboro, NC 27534. Memorial tributes and messages of sympathy can be left by clicking the "Add a Memory" box below. Brown Wynne of Cary is honored to serve the Condolff family.

Scroll down to continue to read Ottilie and Robert’s 73-year love story.

The obituary of Robert John Condolff who passed away on May 30, 2025, can also be found on this site at, https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/cary-nc/robert-condolff-12400797

A Love Story...

It all began with a blind date. At just 17 years old, she agreed to meet a young man introduced by a friend—and from that moment, a lifelong partnership was set in motion. Not long after, at the age of 18, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and shipped out on active duty. While he was away, she felt a deep sense of responsibility to write faithfully to all of the boys from the neighborhood, lifting their spirits through the long months at sea. Naturally, when the war ended and they all came home, every young man wanted to court her. But her answer was always the same: “I have to keep a date with a special sailor first.”

On September 29, 1951, she kept that promise. They were married and began their journey together as husband and wife. For their honeymoon, his older brother Ed generously loaned them his treasured convertible, and they drove off in style to Niagara Falls—a fitting beginning to a love story that would last more than seven decades.

Through 73 years of marriage, they built a life filled with joy, adventure, and devotion. They cherished happy family gatherings, traveled widely across the globe, and each found fulfillment in successful careers. At the center of it all was their daughter, whom they adored beyond measure.

The secret to their long and happy marriage was simple, yet profound: they remained true to their values, and they always accepted and respected each other’s. Their love was steady, enduring, and deeply rooted in mutual respect and admiration.

Today, we celebrate not only their remarkable lives but also the love story they wrote together—a story of harmony, laughter, faithfulness, and a bond that time itself could not break. Truly, theirs was a life well lived, and a love well shared.