PITFIELD, Elizabeth Grace Pitfield

It is with tremendous sadness that we announce the death of Liz due to Cortico-basal Degeneration, a rare disease in the Dementia Family. Since her diagnosis in 2017, the disease slowly deprived her of all physical and cognitive capabilities. Her death was both a tragedy and a release from the confines of this terrible disease.

Elizabeth Grace Pitfield is survived by her son Tomas Donatelli Pitfield (Elana Estefania Reyes) and by her former husband Dr. Javier Donatelli. Liz was the much loved eldest daughter of Diana S. Pitfield and Ward C. Pitfield (Deceased, 2022). She will be dearly missed by her siblings W. Chipman (Michelle Savoy), John (Sue), David (Cathy Bongard) and Sally and all of her nephews and nieces.

Liz was raised in Toronto where she attended Whitney Public School and Branksome Hall.  While at Branksome, Liz discovered a flair for the dramatic; she acted in and directed several theatre productions. She went on to study at Queens (BA Art History and Biology), University of Toronto (Nursing) and to study Photography in California and finally Graphic/Web design at Ryerson in Toronto. She made many lifelong friends along the way.

After Marriage to Javier, the couple moved to his native province of Buenos Aires, Argentina to enable Javier to complete Veterinary school. Shortly after Tomas was born, Liz found satisfying work in a Maternal Health Clinic in LaPlata. The next few years were spent living between Argentina, Toronto and Maryland where Liz worked at the Weston A. Price Foundation, a non profit based in Washington DC. At the Foundation, Liz was responsible for the graphic design of the Foundation’s publication and the management of its international Members. Her role extended further to include nutrition counseling for new/expectant mothers. Liz loved the work and she felt that she was helping many to make healthier choices.

When working remotely became an option, Liz decided to move to St. Catharines and commute to Washington DC as needed. This choice meant that Tomas could attend Ridley College for high school. Liz was delighted that Tomas would have exceptional academic opportunities and that he would also be closer to many of his first cousins.

Liz encouraged Tomas to become fully involved at school. Liz knew the value of education and she wanted Tomas to be curious and appreciate different perspectives; to read widely and to ask questions. Liz enjoyed the flexibility that working from home provided…It gave her time to plant a garden and raise heritage chickens. Liz loved the different personalities in their little flock and especially the multicoloured eggs that they produced every day!

While Liz enjoyed being at home, she also had boundless curiosity about the natural world and an open mind to the world “beyond”. Liz was proficient in French, Italian and Spanish. This made travel a breeze. Together they travelled extensively…From Lake Como to Provence, Rio de la Plata to the Greater Antilles, Chesapeake to the Bay of Fundy. She loved it all! Closer to home, she appreciated the call of the loon in Georgian Bay and the scent of a driftwood bonfire on the beach in Metis.

Liz was an intense and complex person. She was animated, incredibly sensitive and compassionate towards others. Her beautiful smile and her genuine warmth endeared her to many. Let us all remember her ridiculous sense of humour and her infectious laugh. She will be missed.

 We would like to thank the Staff at the Claremont Retirement Residence and also at Meighen Manor for always treating Liz with humour, kindness and dignity.

All are welcome to join the family for

A Celebration of Life

Friday April 24, between 4-6 pm  

At the Badminton & Racquet Club

25 St. Clair Avenue West (the driveway beside Mary Be Restaurant)

Please note*There is no on site parking but public parking is available in the area

“In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Liz Pitfield would be appreciated by the family, supporting the research of Dr. Tartaglia in Frontotemporal Dementia, at UHN Foundation. Please visit UHNfoundation.ca/tribute or call 416-603-5300.”