Nancy Bittel

Nancy Elizabeth Bittel, 66, of Plano, Texas a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother passed away peacefully in the early hours of December 11, 2013 surrounded by her family.
Nancy was born in Norwood, Massachusetts to Frank and Sue Thompson. She enjoyed 18 years of childhood with two sisters and a brother but lacked a love of snow and quickly made her way to Dallas. Nancy attended Southern Methodist University where she studied History and French. While completing her studies at SMU, she met Doctoral Candidate, Raymond Bittel of San Jose, California in 1969 and despite that he fell asleep on their first date, sparks flew! They married 18 months later on September 26, 1970 in Norwood.
They welcomed three children while residing in Reston, Virginia but planted deep roots in Plano, Texas in 1978. Their shared passion for people and animals opened their home to friends, their children's friends, and many pets that could count on a warm bed and long walks.
She had a vast love of learning which led her back to SMU for a Masters Degree in Liberal Arts. As a student of books, life, and her faith she was an open minded, conservative who listened without judgment and gave sound advice to her husband, children, and friends. Quality time for her was conversation over a hot cup of tea, crocheting a blanket for someone she loves, and cuddling up with her latest book. She enjoyed traveling with Ray and her family in the states and abroad and found a second home when she fell in love with Sydney, Australia.
Being strong in her faith in The Lord led her to many volunteer ministries at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Plano and through those times she found friends who became family.
Nancy was famous for her chocolate chip cookies and chocolate fudge. However, the things she will be remembered for most were her sharp wit, sarcastic sense of humor, compassion, unconditional love, and profound faith that touched others through which she found comfort in her final moments.
Nancy is survived by her husband Dr. Raymond Bittel; children Christine Skiles and her husband Kevyn, Philip Bittel and his wife Allison and Amy Valentini; grandchildren Karleigh Skiles, Michael Matthew and Campbell Skiles, Griffin and Leighton Bittel, Dominico and Isabella Valentini; great grandchild Greysen Stautz; sisters Jeanne Thompson and Maryjane McDermott, and brother James Thompson.
A Vigil Service will be held on Friday, December 13, 2013 at 7:00 PM at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 2700 W. Spring Creek Pkwy, Plano, Texas 75023. The Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at 2:00 PM on Saturday, December 14, 2013 also at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, Father Bruce Bradley, Celebrant.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Collin County SPCA in Nancy's name, https://www.spca.org/sslpage.aspx?pid=197