Actress. She appeared on stage, in films and television,  and received Tony Award Nominations for her performances in the Broadway productions of ” ‘night, Mother” (1983) and “Picnic” (1994). After beginning her career during the 1940s on radio, she was seen in suc films as “The Survivors”  (1983),  “Agnes of God” (1985),  “Best Seller” (1987),  “Old Gringo” (1989),  and “Bed of Roses”  (1996). Pitoniak had appearances on the television series “Hill Street Blues”, “Cheers”, “ER”, “Third Watch” and “Law and Order: Special Victims Unit”. Her other stage credits include “The Octette Bridge Club”, “Amy’s View” and “Dance of Death”. She died of cancer. (bio by: C.S.)