Obituary of Jeanne Nishke Pitt

Jeanne Nishke Pitt, 101, died January 3, 2024, at her home in Olympia, Washington.  She was born on February 25, 1922, to Jacob and Eva (Terdolib) Nishke.  Her parents migrated, separately, from the Ukraine.  They did not speak English.  They had seven children: three sons and four daughters. Jeanne was the fifth (middle child).

 

Whenever someone would ask Jeanne if she had any children, she would tell them she had a full house, three sons and two daughters, Richard (Karen), Lawrence (Susan), Joseph (Melissa), Barbara (Ronald), and Laura. One was an attorney. Three of her children held managerial positions, while the middle child, after two years of college, became a Jack-of-All-Trades and a Master of all of them.

 

Those who knew her well described her as a “Force of Nature.” She always put her family first.  Her main dream was to raise her children, a goal that she magnificently accomplished.  Her mother died two weeks after her first child was born. She took a hard stance that parents should be involved and support their children’s interests and well-being.  She ensured that transportation was always available for athletics, scouting, meetings, and parties.  That same sentiment has been passed down to her children and their children. 

 

She was the first in her family to graduate from high school. She was employed in St. Louis, Missouri, working for G. H. Walker & Co., an investment firm, as secretary/cashier.   There she met her husband. She stayed at home to raise the children while her husband traveled throughout the United States.  After she was married, she was the first to move miles away to another state.

 

When her last child started college, Jeanne decided to go to work.  For 22 years, she was a Confidential Secretary for the Washington State Department of Highways, later to become Department of Transportation.  After retiring, she did volunteer work for the Governor’s Committee for the Handicap, RSVP, and Sacred Heart Catholic Church.  She had six women and two men who came to her home to make rosaries for the Catholic Church every month before COVID-19.   She loved to play cards, Poker, Pinochle, Hand and Foot, Bingo and Bunco.

 

Her children, 10 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, one great-great grandson, five nieces, and many friends survive Jeanne.  Her parents, brothers, sisters, and one grandson predeceased her.

 

The family would like to thank Brookdale East and Assured Hospice of Olympia for the loving care provided to Jeanne.

 

Though Jeanne will be dearly missed, we know we will be with her again someday.  A Mass will be held on Thursday, February 15, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 812 Bowker St. SE, Lacey, WA 98503. 

 

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