Obituary of PITMAN – Elizabeth

June 11, 1924 – May 31, 2010 Bette Pitman, born June 11, 1924 in Regina, Saskatchewan, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Monday, May 31, 2010 at the age of 85 years. She is survived by her son Richard (Debbie), her daughter Susan MacKenzie (Bill), grandchildren Dayle (Josh), Melissa, Diana, Bill Jr., and two great-grandchildren Madison and Cadence. Bette is also survived by her brothers Robert Zaran (Mary), George Zaran, sisters Kaye Kerns and Esther Boulter (Ted), as well as numerous nephews and nieces. She was predeceased by her beloved husband of sixty-three years, Bill, in September 2009; sister Sophie Zaran, and brother Dave Zaran. Growing up in Regina, Mom led an active life and met the love of her life, Bill Pitman, at a very young age of 10 years. She enjoyed sports as a young girl, playing hockey and basketball. During the war years, Mom volunteered with the Red Cross to do her part while Bill was overseas. Shortly after Dad returned home, they were married on February 20, 1946. They spent the next ten years living in Regina, during which time Richard and Susan were born. In 1956, the oil boom in Alberta brought them to their new home in Calgary. Mom stayed home and took care of us kids in our Wildwood home which is a part of our family to this day. Our house was a favourite place for the kids in the neighbourhood, as Mom always had a never ending supply of Kool-Aid and chocolate brownies with the best thick icing. In 1966, Dad started his own drafting and printing business, and Mom soon learned how to do small business bookkeeping. When Dad retired at age 51, they enjoyed living in Spokane and Kelowna for a few years, but eventually returned to the family home in Calgary where they enjoyed many happy years of travelling. In their later years, most days would find the two of them out for lunch and a bit of shopping. Even now, out of habit, we still look for Dad’s big red truck at the mall. Thank you Mom for everything, and now you and Dad are together again. A Memorial Service will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S Park Memorial Chapel (5008 Elbow Drive S.W.) on Saturday, June 5, 2010 at 12:30 p.m. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In living memory of Elizabeth Pitman, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Telephone: (403) 243-8200.