Ottilie Kiraly

Tribute

Ottilie (“Otti”) Maria Mattes Kiraly, age 87, passed away peacefully on January 9, 2026, in Hayward, California. Born in Böttingen, Germany, Otti’s life, from growing up during the war in a rural village, naturalization as an American in the 1960’s, and building a rich community in the East Bay, was a testament to a deep love of learning, resilience, and generosity. She is survived by her devoted husband of 62 years, Frank Kiraly, and her daughters Clara Leece, Cornelia Bellamacina, and Bernadette Cruickshank. She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren: Harrison and Mason Leece; Benjamin, Maria, and Melissa Bellamacina; and Mara and William Cruickshank. She was preceded in death by her loving son, Steven Kiraly. The eighth child in a family of nine, she is survived by her dear sister, Rosa Mattes Villing. Otti’s insatiable desire to learn and discover, cultural curiosity, and community building shaped her life and inspired those around her. In keeping with her lifelong commitment to education and science, she generously donated her body to scientific research—a final act of giving that reflects her spirit of curiosity. Otti was an avid gardener with a “green thumb” (indoor and outdoor plants, fruits, veggies, and flowers), known for her annual bounty of tomatoes, rumored to be the result of diligent and committed composting. She generously shared her fruits and veggies with family and friends, and she was always happy to make you a tomato sandwich on her homemade bread. Her roses and orchids were her pride and joy. There wasn’t a plant out there she wasn’t willing to grow from a cutting or propagation. She loved growing her own food and had a deep appreciation for homegrown and homemade foods, which she shared with her community. She was known to approach neighbors with fruit trees heavy with a crop, pick some, make a jam, then bring them back a jar of sweets. Otti was renowned for her love of food and cooking. A master of German Christmas cookies, “Weihnachtsplätzchen,” she shared the cookies annually. She mailed a selection of cookies to her children and grandchildren and distributed them to friends (which was a highly anticipated annual event). She was an avid baker of breads and sweets. She maintained a sourdough starter for more years than we can count and was known for her crusty sourdough crescent roll “boomerangs”. She could cook and bake all the German classics, but had a worldly palette with an incredible range of cuisines – Thai to Mexican. She showed her love through feeding you something homegrown, homemade, and delicious. She also had a deep passion for teaching. Once her kids were grown, she returned to school and earned a degree in education. She worked as a Special Education Instructional Assistant for the Oakland School District for 30 years. In retirement, she gave herself completely to teaching the German language, serving as a gifted and enthusiastic instructor at the German School of the East

Friends & Family

Clara Leece, Cornelia Bellamacina, Bernadette Cruickshank, Kati Brennan