Mrs. Joan B. Litty

Joan Burns Litty, beloved wife of William Scace Litty, died on April 23, 2014, with family at her side. Born January 12, 1929 in Pittsfield, MA, she was the daughter of Walter F. and Anna Jadatz Burns. Joan graduated Pittsfield High School in 1946 and Duke University in 1950. Joan and Bill were married August 16, 1952 and lived in Pittsfield until 2012, when they moved to Kimball Farms in Lenox. She taught elementary school from 1950 through 1954, and later as a substitute teacher. While raising five children, Joan spent her "spare" time in a wide variety of community activities. She co-chaired the Pittsfield Winter Sports Committee and the Dawes School PTO with Bill. She was an active and sustaining member of the Junior League and served on the Board of Directors. She was a Cub Scout den mother and a Brownie leader, and taught Sunday School at the Pittsfield First United Methodist Church. She volunteered at the Pittsfield Girls' Club and also served on the Board. As her children grew, she reentered the workforce at England Brothers department store and Berkshire Travel as a travel agent, where she enjoyed trips to exotic destinations such as Malaysia, Russia, Morocco and Turkey. She also volunteered at Pittsfield Beautiful, the Berkshire Museum and Arrowhead. Joan will be remembered by all as an indomitable spirit with boundless energy. There was always a project she was eager to tackle. She loved to redecorate the house, painting, wallpapering, reupholstering and gardening with skill and aplomb. She was a highly accomplished seamstress and sewed doll's clothes, Halloween costumes, dresses for her girls, and curtains for her own and her children's homes. She was an active and adventurous mom who thought nothing of loading up the station wagon with her kids and many of their friends to go swimming or exploring in the beautiful Berkshires. Joan and Bill traveled in Europe, the Caribbean, and across the US and Canada, visiting many National Parks. Joan loved to be outside and enjoyed kayaking and taking brisk walks with Bill. Perhaps her greatest joy came from her time around their pool and at the beach. Joan spent long summer days poolside with Bill and the family, as well as their wonderful neighbors. Joan and Bill would spend a month each year in St. John, USVI. This was their most special place away from home, where they would meet dear friends and enjoy island life. Joan brought a special energy and drive to everything she did, and her tenacity and stamina prevailed even as her health declined. She is survived by her devoted husband of 61 years, Bill; son David and Marian Bodine of Vermontville, NY; daughter Marianne and Bruno Zeppa of Pittsfield and son Steven of Pittsfield. She is also survived by daughter Susan Steijn and husband Kirk of West Simsbury, CT and grandchildren William, Nicholas and Steven; and son Christopher and wife Laura of Ellington, CT and grandchildren Derek and Sarah. FUNERAL NOTICE- According to Joan's wishes, funeral arrangements will be private. Family and friends will celebrate Joan's life with a memorial gathering at a future date. Donations in Joan's memory may be sent to: Pittsfield Beautiful, PO Box 725, Pittsfield, MA 01202. WELLINGTON FUNERAL HOME, 220 East St., Pittsfield, MA 01201 is in charge of arrangements.

Mrs. Joan B. Litty

January 12, 1929 - April 23, 2014