Nancy Jane Bitting

August 11, 1943 - February 11, 2025

It is with deep sorrow and profound love that we announce the passing of Nancy Jane Bitting, aged 81, who left us peacefully on February 11, 2025, surrounded by her cherished family. Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on August 11, 1943, Nancy spent her childhood there before moving to Mount Ephraim, New Jersey where she met the love of her life, George Bitting, when they were just four years old—a bond that would endure for over seven decades.

Nancy’s dedication to her family and her career was evident throughout her life. She earned her Master's in Healthcare Administration from Cal State Los Angeles, and as a Registered Nurse for over 40 years, she touched countless lives with her compassion and unwavering commitment to patient care. She graduated from Presbyterian Hospital School of Nursing in 1964, and throughout her distinguished career, she worked at hospitals like Rio Hondo, City of Hope, Queen of the Valley, and Riverside Community, where she served as CEO for five years. Her final chapter in healthcare was at PeaceHealth’s St. Joseph’s Hospital and Ketchikan Medical Center, where she served as CEO for ten years before retiring.

Nancy’s legacy is not just in the hospitals she transformed but in the lives she improved—especially in the treatment of women and the dignity of every individual. She worked tirelessly to ensure that people were not only cared for, but respected. Her courage, grit, and determination made her a trailblazer in both the healthcare industry and in her personal endeavors. Nancy was also deeply committed to her community. She was an active volunteer with organizations such as Hospice Volunteer, Martha’s Village & Kitchen, and the Retired Nurses Group in her retirement community. She served on the Planning Commission in Walnut, CA, and was an esteemed member of the Bellingham Rotary Club.

Nancy was predeceased by her beloved mother, Janet Lamb Shields, and her father, William Lial Shields. She is survived by her devoted husband, George Bitting; her sons, John William (Elizabeth) and R.C. (YeonJung); her grandchildren, Christopher and Destiny; and her great-grandchildren, Catalina and Easton. As a daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and aunt, Nancy’s love and influence will resonate for generations to come.

Her family expresses their heartfelt gratitude to Serenity Hospice and The Springs at the Carlotta for their compassionate care during her final days.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made in Nancy’s honor to Whatcom Hospice at Whatcom Hospice or to any nonprofit hospice organization of your choice.

Nancy’s life was a testament to the power of kindness, dedication, and the relentless pursuit of making the world a better place. She will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.

“I will not die an unlived life… I choose to risk my significance; to live so that which came to me as seed goes to the next as blossom and that which came to me as blossom, goes on as fruit.” ~Dawna Markova