Alice Verna Pittman

Verna Pittman (Gillanders) Passed away quietly in her sleep January 11, 2015 at Oliver Lodge where she was a resident for the past 3 1/2 years. She was born at Dawson Creek, British Columbia November 12, 1933 to Alice and Bill Gillanders. Verna is predeceased by her parents Alice (nee Kerr) and Bill Gillanders, son Bob Pittman, sister in-laws Lola, Lyons, Ginger Pittman, Mona Alger; brother in-laws Lloyd, Jack, and Linn Pitman. She is survived by her husband Hixon of 61 years, children Greg, Lori, and Brent (Andrea); nine grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; brother Bob (Marge) Gillanders; sister in-laws Norma Schuler, Marion Murray, Fay (Harry) Donaldson; brother in law Lyle (Gill) Pittman and many nieces and nephews. Verna moved with her parents and brother to White Bear Saskatchewan in 1936 where she took her schooling. During her youth she was an accomplished pianist and public speaker, winning awards and scholarships. Most notable was the scholarship to take lessons with Lyle Guston in Saskatoon. Verna's post-secondary education took her to Saskatoon for two years of Normal School. Upon completion she received a teaching position in Isham Saskatchewan for two years. During this time she married Hixon Pittman. The newlywed couple lived three miles South of White Bear on the original Pittman homestead. It is here they started their family. Verna continued to be a substitute teacher, figure skating judge, avid curler and an active member of the United Church UCW and CGIT while raising four children. Verna was a long time camp councillor and director at Camp Outlook. In the fall of 1968 the family moved to Saskatoon where they have resided until present day. It wasn't long before Verna was teaching full time, an organist at St. Martin's United Church, a CGIT leader and a travel camp coordinator. During the late 70s Verna went back to school attending the U. of S. and receiving her Education degree in 1985. She taught at John Lake School from 1971-1997. During retirement she helped raise grandchildren and spent countless hours volunteering at Extenda-Care on Preston Ave. Her mother resided there for 7 years and it was during this time that Verna gave weekly one hour sessions to the seniors. Evidently she was not done teaching yet. She was an extremely hard worker with very high expectations for the activities she was involved in. Verna and Hixon celebrated their 50th anniversary by going on a cruise to Alaska. It was not too long after this that signs of dementia started to show. For the past 3 1/2 years Verna has resided at Oliver Lodge. She received excellent care there and the family always felt welcome. Thank you to all the staff for looking after mom and making her feel comfortable and happy. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cancer Society, Oliver Lodge or a donation of your choice. Arrangements entrusted to Acadia- McKague's (915 Acadia Drive, Saskatoon,SK S7H 5N4).