Renee Pitchon
May 17, 1947 ~ November 3, 2023
Renée Carol Pitchon (May 17,1947-November 3, 2023) died peacefully on Friday surrounded by her family. Renée fought a short but courageous battle with Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer over the last few weeks. She was an unstoppable and vivacious force to everyone who knew her. She was a devoted daughter, a steadfast sister, an exceptional aunt, a phenomenal great-aunt, a loyal sister-in-law, a friend, a teacher, a confidant as well as an incredibly generous human.
Born and raised in The Bronx, Renée was a teacher in the New York City Public School System for over 30 years, the impact she had on her students and colleagues was widely felt. She took great joy in her profession and continued it after retirement in helping foster the love of learning with her great niece and nephew.
Known as Neenie to almost all that knew her- a nickname given to her by her niece Jenna at a young age. She became everyone’s favorite aunt. Known for her honest opinions, her generosity, huge heart, and ability to tell it how it was- those who knew Renée were lucky. Neenie became a larger-than-life figure in everyone’s life.
She will be remembered for her love of Amazon ordering, shopping, a tidy and clean home, her cooking, her humor, her independence, love of HGTV, Food Network and British TV Shows as well as her sense of responsibility to those around her. She was one of the most genuine and generous individuals and always looked out for those around her.
Renée was a devoted sister to Maureen and cared for her to the very end. Her love for her sister was unwavering and was something to behold. Their relationship was the perfect example to set for her great niece and nephew, McKayla and Jack. As for her relationship with her niece Jenna, it was a special and unique bond. It was a bond greater than aunt and niece. Her relationship with Jenna was absolutely one of a kind. She was more than an aunt; she was another mother figure in Jenna’s life. Renée cared deeply for Jenna’s husband, Andy, and their friendship and relationship was magical. They were two peas in a pod. As a sister-in-law to John for nearly 50 years, they had a special friendship and relationship that was beautiful to witness. John stepped in the last 6 weeks to help care for Renée as only a brother could.
Predeceased by her sister, Maureen Pitchon Palmquist in October 2022 and her parents, Martha Pitchon and Jack Pitchon. Renee is survived by her niece, Jenna Stein and husband Andy Stein, great-niece and nephew, Jack and McKayla Stein, brother-in-law John Palmquist and numerous friends and family.
In lieu of flowers, we invite you to donate to St. Jude’s (a favorite charity of Renée’s) or to MetaVivor for Metastatic Breast Cancer Research in honor of her late sister, Maureen Palmquist. Or to The American Cancer Society for Pancreatic Cancer research.
All are welcome to attend the ceremony at Cedar Park Cemetery on Monday, November 6th at 10:30 am. If you wish to celebrate Renée’s life, you are welcome to attend a gathering at the house of Jenna and Andy Stein from 1-5 pm on Monday.
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle