Kirsten (Mitera) Zettergren

Kirsten (Mitera) Zettergren, 53 of Plainville, passed away peacefully at her home in Westerly RI, surrounded by her loving family on Friday, March 22, 2024, following a courageous battle with cancer.  “Kirt” as she was affectionately known, was loved by all who had the privilege of knowing her. 

The beloved wife and forever workout partner of Chuck Zettergren, Kirt was a doting mother to her two children, Nina and Joseph Capozzi and loving step-mother to Cole, Dane and Ross Zettergren.  The daughter of Jeanne (Dubay) Mitera of Plainville, she also leaves her six siblings and their families, Richard (Rick), Greg, Glenn, Allison, Denise and Barbara Jean; along with her husband’s six siblings and their families, Darlene, Carol, Carla, Richard (Rick), Dale, and Sara.  Kirt was predeceased by her father, Richard Mitera Sr. and her step-son, Ross Zettergren.

Kirt led a beautiful life, shining her radiating light on those around her daily.  Raised and educated in Plainville, her lifelong love for running flourished as Captain of the Plainville High School Blue Devils Track and Cross Country teams, and later as an avid marathon runner and early morning gym-goer alongside her partner in fitness, Chuck.  Kirsten was her children’s loudest cheerleader and champion through the years of Nina’s dance competitions and Joseph’s soccer career.  She had a love for travel, creating many cherished memories and funny moments on carefully planned family vacations that will forever be remembered.  A confidant to all, with an admirable eye for fashion and decorating, Kirt and Chuck enjoyed the past 12 years in Westerly, fulfilling their love for nature, bike riding and going to the beach.  Together, they restored a handful of homes, with Kirt’s special touches added to each one.

A successful dental practice manager and consultant for the past 29 years, Kirt took great pride in the connections she made and in providing the best possible customer service.  She was an integral part of the Blue Back Dental family for the last 15 years, where she was not only a colleague, but a dear friend, whose infectious laughter, unwavering kindness, and genuine compassion touched the lives of everyone around her, including their patients and the entire community.  She was the driving force behind the founding of the American Association of Dental Office Managers in Connecticut, to which she dedicated much of her time and finances.  Kirt’s ambitiousness led her to constantly expand her knowledge with a number of courses, including becoming a Graduate Gemologist.  Her passion and energy will be missed beyond words, but her love will be carried on by all those who had the honor of witnessing the spark that was Kirsten.

In lieu of flowers, donations in honor of her daughter Nina may be made to the Epilepsy Foundation of Connecticut at www.epilepsyct.com

Family and friends may gather on Friday, from 4:00-8:00 p.m. at Plainville Funeral Home, 81 Broad St, Plainville.  Words of remembrance will be shared at 7:30 p.m.  For online expressions of sympathy, please visit www.PlainvilleFuneralHome.com

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