Memorial Trees
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Anonymous
January 12, 2025
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Ray and Tess
January 12, 2025
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The Letsch Family
January 12, 2025
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Kathy Holz & Brian McIntyre
January 11, 2025
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Anonymous
January 11, 2025
Memorial trees planted for:
Wilma Marie Rose Bittman
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><i>WILMA MARIE ROSE BITTMAN</i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i>1934-2025</i></b></p><p><br></p><p>It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our dear mother, granny, great granny, auntie and friend, Wilma Marie Bittman on Thursday, January 9, 2025, at the age of 90. Wilma passed away peacefully in her sleep at The Peter Lougheed Hospital in Calgary surrounded by her immediate family.</p><p><br></p><p>Wilma (née Lowe) was born on May 15, 1934, in Killarney Ontario to John Lowe, a commercial fisherman and boat builder, and Cora (née Prue) Lowe, a devout Catholic and resolute Métis woman. As the fifth of eight girls, her childhood was as full as the house she grew up in. While the family was close, Cora’s difficult life permeated her parenting; she was stern and often severe with her daughters. By contrast, Wilma shared a special bond with her father. Wilma was always proud that one of John’s commercial fishing boats was named the “Wilma Ann”. The family divided their time between Killarney and Owen Sound, as John Lowe’s business opportunities dictated.</p><p><br></p><p>Encouraged by her father and in search of adventure, at the age of 18 Wilma left her childhood home on the shores of Lake Huron to join her eldest sister, Helen Lowe in Calgary, Alberta, and never looked back. Wilma fell in love with Calgary, which was a sharp contrast to her strict and somewhat sheltered life in Ontario. The energy of the city and beauty of the west matched her own. Tall and slender, with green-gold eyes and a Cheshire cat smile, Wilma was striking. She loved music and dancing. With her sharp wit and vivacious personality Wilma was the life of many gatherings. Invigorated by the energy of western Canada and a new more urban life, Wilma made Calgary her home.</p><p><br></p><p>In August 1956, Wilma married Gordon Bittman. Between 1957 to 1968 they brought six children into the world. While her love for Gordon was true, their marriage was tumultuous. For all of his charm, talents, and intelligence, and fun they shared in “the good times”, Gordon was more often than not, a difficult partner. The family suffered financial instability, moving frequently for a total of 18 times in 17 years. In spite of the hardship Wilma was amazingly resourceful, conjuring beauty from scarcity. She was forced to create home after home, clothing, and meals for her family. She did so while working full-time. Wilma was a skilled seamstress with impeccable taste. She excelled at creating and reworking beautiful and stylish clothing for herself and her children (and eventually grandchildren). Always experimenting with her living space and relishing an outlet for her artistic creativity, Wilma envisioned and executed endless configurations of her furniture: one never visited the same space twice. In particular, she treasured the holidays, during which time her skill at creating beauty was especially apparent. She cherished a reason to celebrate and having her family together. In good times and in bad, she made these times festive and magical for her loved ones.</p><p><br></p><p>In 1974, Wilma courageously left her marriage, seeking and eventually receiving an annulment From the Roman Catholic Church. At age forty, she officially became a single mother to six children between the ages of six and seventeen. The financial situation for the family was as dire as ever. As she always did, Wilma made do, saving the family home from foreclosure and sheltering her children from further instability. Reflecting her enduring spirit, Wilma was a pillar of strength and love; the glue that held the family together. However, in 1976, the stress finally caught up with her when Wilma was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer. Despite poor odds for recovery, Wilma courageously fought and beat cancer. We firmly believe that it was Wilma’s deep love and devotion for her children which gave her strength in difficult times and allowed her to pull through. Stubborn to her core, when Wilma set her mind to something she made it happen. Indeed, her children are the true testament to her strength, resilience and love. Wilma gave to her children in every way which she was able, often neglecting her own needs to fulfill theirs. Her work ethic and tenacity to provide for her family through all of the years and personal hardships was remarkable.</p><p><br></p><p>Upon the last of her children leaving home Wilma entered a period of her life which she fondly referred to as her “second childhood”. With a new sense of self and freedom she socialized, danced, cooked, read, and travelled. Wilma learned to drive, thrived in her workplace, which she relished, and accumulated lifelong friends. She travelled with her sisters, colleagues and children. She created a beautiful home (this time just for herself). Wilma continued to sew, creating timeless clothing and costumes for her many treasured grandchildren. Many of Wilma’s creations are worn today by her great grandchildren. Her stories of these years are filled with her shenanigans and marked by a sense of confidence and joy. Wilma was renewed and lit from within.</p><p><br></p><p>Throughout her later life, Wilma was reflective. With her characteristic fiery wit and candor, she reminisced about her life, the many joys and travails, allowing herself to be known to those who loved her so. Despite the adversity she experienced, she was seldom bitter. Wilma did not mince words and was most times candid to a fault. Wilma expressed a sense of deep gratitude, peace, and love through her stories and observations. To the end, Wilma was devout in her faith, which gave her strength in the difficult times, and profound joy in the best of times. Every grace was followed with “glory to the lamb of God.” Particularly in the last decade of her life, Wilma gave deep thought to her faith, developing a deeper connection with God. She often spoke of her growing relationship with Jesus and the long conversations they would have, which provided her with guidance and comfort during this final chapter.</p><p><br></p><p>On her deathbed, and surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, Wilma bestowed one final enduring gift on her loved ones, expressing profound joy, and gratitude for her life, and expressing words of love to those surrounding her. As always, Wilma’s faith provided her with comfort and solace. Wilma greeted her death as she lived: with a deep love for her family and God.</p><p><br></p><p>Wilma is survived by her children, Michael Bittman (Mary Ellen Prentice), Mark Bittman (Bridget), Steven Bittman, Barbara Bittman, Paula Grootelar (Peter), and David Bittman (Jean Traynor)\; her grandchildren, Paula Bittman (Michael Cenkowski), Sarah Bittman, Caitlin Bittman (James Aitken), Sari Bittman, Michael David Bittman (Velvett), Gemma Bittman, Joshua Bittman, Matthew Bittman, Samuel Grootelar, John “Jack” Grootelar, Olivia Bittman; great grandchildren, Lydia and Simon Cenkowski; her sisters, Julie Dean and Dianne Couldrey; and many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her grandson, Lucas Bittman; sisters, Helen Lowe, Gerrye Meyer, Jacqueline Holz, Eileen Lowe and Ruth Epe; and her former husband, Gordon Bittman.</p><p><br></p><p><i>Rest in peace our beautiful Wilma, now united with your family and friends who have gone before you. You are more loved and appreciated than you can possibly know. We will miss you always and will love you forever.</i></p><p><br></p><p>A Funeral Mass will be held for our dear Wilma on Monday, January 13, 2025, at 2:00 pm at St. Mary's Cathedral (219 18 Avenue SW, Calgary, AB, T2S 0C2).</p><p><br></p><p>To view and share photos, condolences and memories of Wilma with the family, please visit www.choicememorial.com.</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p>May 15, 1934 - January 9, 202505/15/193401/09/2025
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