Valentine Bitting

Valentine Violet Bitting of Erie, passed away on Sunday, October 30, 2016, at Forestview Senior Living Center.

She was born on Valentine's Day, 1926 in Pittsburgh, Pa. the first generation daughter of Karl and Mary Slater from Russia and Poland. She was a graduate of Academy High School. She attended classes at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh. She had a life long love of art and took additional art courses with her dear friend Dot Beatty from the famed artist and friend Bob Gerbracht.

She most enjoyed being with her children, grand-children and great grand-child. She also enjoyed trips to New York City, visiting art galleries and trips to the Erie Zoo. She had many friends at Carlisle's where she worked until she retired.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Bill, of 42 years and her dear friend David McHenry.

Valentine is survived by one son and three daughters. Her son Dr. Robert Bitting and wife Dianne of Alfred, NY., daughters Karen and husband Dr. Donald Sova of Silver Spring, MD., Diane Larkin of Matawan, NJ., and Laurie Bitting of Ithaca, NY. She is further survived by 6 grand-children, Brett (Nickie) McConnell, Eric McConnell, Sarah (Matthew) Mier, Michael (Hillary) Bitting and Catherine Larkin and Kevin Larkin as well as great-grandchild Holden Mier. She is also survived by her sister Elizabeth Cooper and her children Tracey and Colleen and their children as well as her sister-in-law Carol Bitting of Erie and niece Robin (Bitting) Montgomery and her family. Her blended loving family also includes Timothy and Jennifer (Sova) Wright and son Will.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Springhill and especially Forestview for their loving care of Valentine.

Valentine was a member of St. Stephen's Lutheran Church of Erie where she was married and later a long time member of Christ Methodist Church of Erie.

Friends may call at the Burton Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 602 West 10th Street on Wednesday from 4pm-6pm with memorial service to follow. Private burial Laurel Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Erie Zoo, 423 West 38th St. Erie, Pa. 16508.