Mary Patricia Liss Pitt, 77, passed away peacefully with her daughters and son-in-law at her side on June 16 at Emmanuel Medical Center after a brief battle with cancer. She was born in Milwaukee, Wis. in May of 1933 to Irene Theresa Jadzewski and Walter W. Liss. After attending Holy Angels Academy in high school, she earned her bachelor’s of science degree at Milwaukee Donner College, now Lawrence University, in Appleton, Wis.
From 1954 to 1957 she served as a 1st Lieutenant in the Army Corp as a medical specialist and received her diploma and certification in occupational therapy. She became the chief occupational therapist at the Cerebral Palsy School and Clinic in Atlanta, Ga. and later, she became a consultant to various rehabilitation and skilled nursing facilities in Southern and Northern California.
While in Atlanta, Mary met and married the love of her life, Howard Fred Pitt in 1958. In 1969, Howard, Mary and their two daughters moved to Mariposa and purchased a small family ranch. From 1969 until 2005, Mary worked for the Mariposa Unified School District, first as a sub and consulting occupation therapist to the school district, then as an aide in special education, and finally as a teacher at Mariposa County High School.
She was also a commissioner to the Mariposa County Parks and Recreation Commission, taught free art classes in the park to kids and was a long-time board member for the Mariposa Museum and History Center. Mariposa was always where Mary proudly called “home” and although she spent a short period of time in Turlock with her daughters and granddaughters, her heart was always at the ranch.
She was preceded in death by her husband of almost 40 years, Howard; and her mother, Irene J. Johnson. She is survived by her daughter, Maryn Pitt of Turlock; her two granddaughters, Kyra and Cassandra of Turlock; and daughter, JuLee (Jim) Hampton of Turlock.
A celebration of Mary Pitt’s Life will be held at 4 p.m. on Saturday, July 10 at the Mariposa Museum and History Center.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Mariposa Museum and History Center, P.O. Box 606, Mariposa, CA 95338.
Allen Mortuary was entrusted with the arrangements. Please share your condolences at www.allenmortuary.com.
From 1954 to 1957 she served as a 1st Lieutenant in the Army Corp as a medical specialist and received her diploma and certification in occupational therapy. She became the chief occupational therapist at the Cerebral Palsy School and Clinic in Atlanta, Ga. and later, she became a consultant to various rehabilitation and skilled nursing facilities in Southern and Northern California.
While in Atlanta, Mary met and married the love of her life, Howard Fred Pitt in 1958. In 1969, Howard, Mary and their two daughters moved to Mariposa and purchased a small family ranch. From 1969 until 2005, Mary worked for the Mariposa Unified School District, first as a sub and consulting occupation therapist to the school district, then as an aide in special education, and finally as a teacher at Mariposa County High School.
She was also a commissioner to the Mariposa County Parks and Recreation Commission, taught free art classes in the park to kids and was a long-time board member for the Mariposa Museum and History Center. Mariposa was always where Mary proudly called “home” and although she spent a short period of time in Turlock with her daughters and granddaughters, her heart was always at the ranch.
She was preceded in death by her husband of almost 40 years, Howard; and her mother, Irene J. Johnson. She is survived by her daughter, Maryn Pitt of Turlock; her two granddaughters, Kyra and Cassandra of Turlock; and daughter, JuLee (Jim) Hampton of Turlock.
A celebration of Mary Pitt’s Life will be held at 4 p.m. on Saturday, July 10 at the Mariposa Museum and History Center.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Mariposa Museum and History Center, P.O. Box 606, Mariposa, CA 95338.
Allen Mortuary was entrusted with the arrangements. Please share your condolences at www.allenmortuary.com.
