Janice K. Pitney

Janice K. Pitney passed away May 18, 2015 after surviving ovarian cancer for nearly ten years. She was born in Salem, OR on October 5, 1948 to the late Phil and Katherine Pitney and moved often during her childhood as her father opened retail department stores for Montgomery Ward.

Janice graduated high school in Ft. Worth, TX and settled in Kansas City, MO. While there, she adopted a daughter, Tamara Elizabeth Pitney and a son, Adam Wesley Pitney. After living in Hastings, NE for a time, Janice moved to Raleigh, NC in 1978 where she would spend the remainder of her life.

Janice worked a series of jobs in synch with the emerging Information Technology sector. Her final job was her longest lasting and most enjoyable, and she spent more than nineteen years in the pricing department of General Parts, Inc., the parent company of Carquest Auto Parts which is now Advance Auto Parts.

In 2005, Janice was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. She endured multiple surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation and other treatments throughout the following decade. While the disease affected her body, it was never able to impact her spirit. Spending time with friends and family was the most important thing in Janice’s life, and she brightened the day for everyone with whom she came into contact.

Janice was an active member in the Order of the Eastern Star, the Red Hat Society, and Oasis. She spoke at Duke University, providing mentorship and support for ovarian cancer patients and their families. Janice was a special friend to everyone she met, and was always available to help. She brought fun and laughter to all family outings, and enjoyed making such items as homemade ice cream and Rice Krispy treats.

Janice was an avid reader and had recently taken up painting as a hobby. Having grown up for a time in Red Cloud, NE, she was also an avid Nebraska college football fan. Janice frequently attended showings of games with the NC Huskers fan club at Sammy’s Tap and Grill, decked out in scarlet Nebraska regalia.

Janice is survived by her brothers, Roger and Mark; sister, Suzanne Baker; daughter Tamara; son, Adam; granddaughter, Corrie; and grandson, Christian.

A visitation with the family will be held from 6 to 8 pm on Thursday May 28th at Mitchell Funeral Home, 7209 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC 27612. In lieu of flowers, Janice suggested that donations can be made to NoKidHungry.org or StJude.org.