Veronica “Ronnie” Pittluck, 81, died Wednesday, July 12, 2023. She was born July 8, 1942, in Chicago, Illinois to Nicholas and Regina (Kavanaugh) Pavacich. In 1961, she eloped to marry Richard Allen Hodge who preceded her in death in 1970. On July 26, 1975, Ronnie married Robert “Bob” Pittluck on Long Island, merging her family of two children and his family of five into one big, blended family. The house was full of kids, dogs, cats and plenty of love.
Ronnie was a nurse who pursued her MBA in order to fight the good fight to ensure patient care was always the top priority. She was a true advocate for nurses developing a new graduate unit and internship program; creating an oncology department as a specialty within the hospital; and forming multidisciplinary teams to improve clinical performance across the patient care spectrum.
She dedicated her life to helping others, a special person with insane multi-tasking skills, a kind soul, and a sympathetic ear, someone you could count on to always listen to, care for, counsel, and comfort all who came into contact with her, a problem solving, lifesaving, super-human, who saved the world one patient or person at a time.
Ronnie and Bob vacationed often in Door County and the Virgin Islands. Both locations were perfect for enjoying their love of sailing. They finally retired to the Bay of Green Bay, Wisconsin, relishing the life on the water and being closer to children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She will forever be remembered as a wonderful wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great grandmother and a good neighbor.
Ronnie was preceded in death by her husband, Bob; sisters, Denise Harford and Regina Salzmann; daughter, Susan Pittluck; grandson, Nicholas Fisher and daughter-in-law, Denise Pittluck.
Those celebrating her memory include her brother, Tom Pavacich, Ocean Grove, NJ; sister, June (Joe) Zarra, Ocean Grove, NJ; many nieces, nephews and cousins; nurses, friends and neighbors; her Maine Coon cat, Smokey; six children, Ari (Doug) Ohlson, McHenry, IL; Fay (Joe) Fisher, Omaha, NE; Glenn (Glenda) Pittluck, McHenry, IL; Bruce (Ellen) Pittluck, German Valley, IL; Richard Pittluck, McCullom Lake, IL; Seth (Julie) Pittluck, McHenry, IL; eight grandchildren, Michelle (Jim) Nackers, Will (Nicke) Pittluck, Kaedan Pittluck, Daniel Ohlson, Natalie (Colton) Hanson, Delaney Fisher, Joe Fisher and Meghan Fisher; seven great grandchildren, Gabriel, Wesley, Emily, Marty, Liam, Cali, and Emery.
Private family services will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations/memorials be made to one of the following organizations:
Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary – The Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary (WLS) is a beautiful 535-acre urban wildlife refuge featuring live animal exhibits, educational displays, miles of hiking/skiing trails and various wildlife viewing opportunities. It is the largest park in the Green Bay Park system and home to the second largest wildlife rehabilitation program in Wisconsin, caring for more than 6000 orphaned and injured animals annually. The Sanctuary attracts hundreds of thousands of bird watchers, families and other visitors from across the USA and many foreign countries each year. They come to explore and discover nature while learning the importance of preserving natural landscapes. First established in 1936 as a site for waterfowl rehabilitation, the Sanctuary has grown to offer environmental education programs to over 10,000 students, nature walks, urban fishing, summer camps, cross country skiing and much more. This park is free and open to the public year ’round!
The mission is to provide an urban wildlife refuge where people can interact with wildlife, plants, and other natural resources through environmental education and recreation.
We will be purchasing a memorial bench to honor both parents at the Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary.
Oncology Nursing Society – The Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) is a professional association that represents 100,000 nurses and is the professional home to more than 35,000 members. ONS is committed to promoting excellence in oncology nursing and the transformation of cancer care. Since 1975, ONS has provided a professional community for oncology nurses, developed evidence-based education programs and treatment information, and advocated for patient care, all in an effort to improve the quality of life and outcomes for patients with cancer and their families. Your gift to the Oncology Nursing Foundation can provide nurses with access to education, research, and professional development; improve patient care; and advance the oncology nursing profession.
The Nature Conservancy – The Nature Conservancy is a global environmental nonprofit working to create a world where people and nature can thrive. Founded in the U.S. through grassroots action in 1951, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) has grown to become one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than a million members and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and over 400 scientists, we impact conservation in 79 countries and territories: 37 by direct conservation impact and 42 through partners.
The Mission is to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends.
Door County Maritime Museum – The Museum operates three locations, including the Door County Maritime Museum along the working waterfront in Sturgeon Bay; the iconic Cana Island Lighthouse in Baileys Harbor; and the Death’s Door Maritime Museum in Gills Rock. As one of northeast Wisconsin’s top tourism destinations, attracting more than 85,000 visitors annually, the Door County Maritime Museum serves as a cultural and educational resource for all 72 counties in Wisconsin.
The Mission is to preserve Great Lakes maritime history, primarily focusing on Door County, Wisconsin, and provide interpretive and educational opportunities for current and future generations.