Gail Ellen Pitney

Gail Ellen Pitney was born February 19, 1933 to William “Gordon” Richardson and Anne (Krause) Richardson in Cleveland, Ohio. She was raised in the suburb of Parma as an only child, but she enjoyed a large and loving extended family. She was lively and fun and lived up to her happy nickname of “Gay”.  She loved reading books, climbing trees, dogs, and English horseback riding. Many weekends were spent boating and at the beach at her family’s lake house on Lake Erie. Gail was very involved in Kappa Delta sorority and graduated from Bowling Green State University in 1954 with an Education Degree – English Major. The next day she married her college sweetheart, Glee Pitney, fondly referring to each other as Poopsie.  Gail took a teaching position in Michigan to teach 7th grade English, and received many letters from her new husband stationed in South Korea.  Glee returned safely and had a continual upward career in trucking transportation. Two children came along, Virginia “Ginny” and Jack.  Glee was transferred many times and Gail embraced the new adventures that each locale had to offer. A pivotal time in Gail’s life was when she was 34, and she encountered Christ’s love for her and embraced His salvation.  Gail’s life from then on included many hours of service in church, studying and teaching the Bible and memorizing scripture. Gail was a loving and nurturing mother, always encouraging her children’s interests and efforts. As a former Camp Fire Girl, she became Ginny’s Camp Fire Girl leader. She was Jack’s biggest sideline sports fan, and the “Picture Lady” for school kids, bringing famous art paintings to share and explain each month. She continued to love books, and became a city librarian. Flowers and birds brought her much delight, as well as embroidery and a paperweight collection. In Richardson, Texas, Gail enjoyed her years as an executive secretary at Christian Medical and Dental Society, also working at the same location with Jack’s wife, Cindy.  At the same time, Glee had a business that employed Ginny’s husband, Allan, and also Jack.  Family stayed paramount to Mimi, as she was known by her 6 grandchildren. Special memories included vacations in Estes Park and enjoying her wonderful cooking. Upon the completion of worldwide cruises and trips, the “Happy Couple” joined Highland Springs senior community in 2006. Gail became the editor of the first publication there and enjoyed also working in the library.  She struggled with severe arthritis pain and was in the grips of Alzheimer’s in her last years; the last year without her Sweetheart, whom she joined in their Heavenly home the week of Valentines Day.

Gail Ellen Pitney will be interred on March 17, 2023 at the Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery and memorialized by intimate family only.

Donations can be made to:

— International Students Inc. at website internationalstudents.org

— Mission Aviation Fellowship at website maf.org