Obituary of Sister Dorothy Pitts

Born: Dorothy Agnes Pitts, July 21, 1915 in Richmond, IN. Died: July 5, 2012 at St. Elizabeth Motherhouse Healthcare Center, Allegany, NY. Daughter of Emery H. and Anna E. Knauber Pitts of St. Petersburg, FL. She was received into the Congregation of the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, NY at St. Elizabeth Motherhouse on August 15, 1935 and professed her final religious vows on August 16, 1942. Sister Dorothy Pitts faithfully lived the Mission of the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany for over 76 years. As a young girl in St. Petersburg, FL, she attended the grade schools of Glenoak and Mirror Lake from 1921 to 1928, followed by studies at Lealman Jr. High from 1928 to 1930. She received her high school instruction from the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany at St. Paul's, graduating in 1934. Following her graduation, she felt called to join the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany. After joining the Congregation, Sister Dorothy attended St. Joseph Teacher College in Buffalo, NY, Fordham University in NYC and Barry College in Miami, FL. Most of Sister Dorothy's years of teaching were spent in Florida at Franciscan schools in Ft. Myers, St. Petersburg, Pensacola, Miami and Homestead. After more than 30 years in the educational field, Sr. Dorothy opted to shift her service into healthcare. She was assigned to St. Mary's Hospital, West Palm Beach where she served as receptionist and did clerical work in the business office for the next 15 years. Sister Dorothy retired following this assignment, joining her sisters at the St. Elizabeth Motherhouse in 1995. Sister Dorothy is predeceased by her parents and a sister, Mary Ellen Pitts. She is survived by a brother, Leonard and a niece, Theresa Corley. A Wake Service is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Monday, July 9, 2012 in the Chapel at St. Elizabeth Motherhouse, Allegany, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 10, 2012 in the Chapel of St. Elizabeth Motherhouse, followed by burial in St. Bonaventure Cemetery, Allegany, NY. The funeral arrangements are under the direction of Letro-McIntosh-Spink Funeral Home, Inc. 646 East State Street, Olean, NY.