Starr E. Bitterman

Starr (Etoile Hazen) Bitterman At this time our family would like to thank our Lord for blessing us with our mother for the past 85 years. She was returned to the arms of Jesus early Saturday morning, November 19, 2016. Etoile (Starr) was born in French Morocco, the northern tip of Africa in 1929. She lived in Casablanca during WWII until the age of 18. Mom would talk about those days remembering as a child lying in her bed at night hearing the sounds of bombs going off around the city. Near the end of the war, mom’s sister Alice had married a young American soldier who was stationed in Casablanca. Alice and her husband Aubby Hauff had returned to America and settled in Peshastin, WA. Once they were settled they sent message to mom and asked her to come and live with them in America. Uncle Aubby had to petition the United States in order for mom to come to the states on an immigration visa. He stated that he had worked at the Peshastin lumber yard for several years, he would help support her and she would never be a charge to the United States. Our mom was forever grateful to Aubby and Alice for bringing her to America and giving her a new life. She would also reflect on how at that time, they thought America’s streets were paved in gold and everybody wanted to live there. At the young age of 18, Mom left her family never to see her mother and father again. It wasn’t until 2013 when Mom was able to take a trip to Israel, (where her Jewish family returned) and reunite with all six of the siblings that were still living. Our family finally met our aunts, uncles and cousins we never knew. Once settled in Peshastin, Uncle Aubby introduced Mom to his high school buddy Orlan Bitterman. After a very short courtship Mom and Dad married and started their 56 year life together. It was quite the talk of Peshastin when they brought these two beautiful sisters who spoke no English to town. Our families can only imagine what it was like to teach these sisters to speak English and to drive a car. Throughout the next few years, Dad and Mom along with their partners, Perry and Mona Flick, purchased the orchard property which included the Peshastin Pinnacles. The two families farmed together for forty years until their retirement. Mom lived her life for her family. She took care of Dad and raised their five children Dave, Linda, Gail, Kim and Kay. She raised us the old fashion way. Many of the boys in Cashmere, some in Peshastin and some in Quincy, knew what they were up against if they wanted to date any of the daughters. It was mom’s greatest joy to see her kids happily married to such wonderful sons and daughter in law. She was delighted that each of the kids chose someone so much like their dad. We are so thankful for the example they set for us in our marriages. Our mom was one of a kind. We often referred to her as a “Spicy African.” She ran circles around each of us kids with her energy and zest for life. As her life neared its end she was dealing with dementia and the tolls it can take. Throughout this time she held her family close... It was surely a blessing for all of us to turn the tables and take care of her when she needed us most. Mom was preceded in death by her husband Orny. Mom will be dearly missed by her children Dave (Melissa) Bitterman, Linda (Jim) Sasseen, Gail (Lorin) Grigg, Kim (Dan) Kenoyer and Kay (Mike) Phillips as well as her many grandkids and great grandkids. Please join us in celebrating mom’s life Saturday the 26th of November at the Cashmere United Methodist Church. The service will be held at 11 o’clock with a family interment at the Cashmere cemetery held at 10 o’clock. Mom requested any contributions that be made in her name be made to the Cashmere United Methodist Church. Please express your thoughts and memories on the online guest book at jonesjonesbetts.com. Arrangements are by Jones & Jones – Betts Funeral Home.

Tributes

Starr E. Bitterman

July 11, 1929 - November 19, 2016