Kathleen Pitz

Kathleen “Kathy” Mary Pitz, 86, passed away peacefully on October 17, 2026 in Raleigh, North Carolina. She was a multifaceted jewel whose light touched many lives.

Kathy was born on November 26, 1939 in Detroit, Michigan to James and Lucille Barbour. She was raised Catholic and was proud of her Irish and German heritage. She often shared memories from her time in Detroit in its heyday such as shopping at Hudson’s and visiting Belle Isle and Boblo Island. She also loved reminiscing about visiting her mother’s extended family in Toledo, Ohio. She later moved with her family to Cleveland, Ohio where she graduated in 1957 from Parma Senior High School.

She attended Baldwin-Wallace College where she majored in history and intended to become a teacher. While there, she developed her lifelong appreciation for classical music, especially by Bach and Vivaldi. She enjoyed a variety of music throughout her life, including The Beatles, Led Zeppelin and even the Beastie Boys. Her love of history and curiosity about culture was a constant in her life. She loved following news and gossip about the British royals.

Kathy left college to marry Frank Resch and had two children, Mark and Kristin. She worked as a secretary and receptionist at Bethlehem Steel. Kathy later married Lothar “Lou” Pitz and had their daughter Sherry. She contributed to the success of Lou’s company, serving as secretary, bookkeeper and office manager.

While she was a Midwesterner and a Michigander at heart, her life’s path would bring her to Asheville, North Carolina, where she fell in love with the mountains and the local culture. She made many lasting and meaningful friendships during her 28 years in the area.

Kathy had a creative streak that manifested through interior decorating, gardening, entertaining and culinary arts. She was renowned for her excellent cooking and baking, especially German and Hungarian dishes. Her family especially loved her hearty meals and large tins of Christmas cookies – always more than any of us could eat.  Her sauerbraten and red cabbage were second to none. She also had a green thumb – her home was always beautifully landscaped with neatly trimmed hedges, gorgeous flowers and healthy houseplants.

Kathy showed her love in so many ways – cooking delicious and bountiful meals; giving hours of her time to volunteer at the hospital and the arboretum; sharing a warm smile or a heartfelt note. She loved all children, especially her own, and treasured the moments she was able to spend with her grandson.

Kathy is survived by her son Mark Resch (Merry) of Waterford, Michigan; her daughter Kristin Walker (Thomas) of Livonia, Michigan; her daughter, Sherry Parisi (Justin) of Raleigh, North Carolina; and her beloved grandson Alexander. She was preceded in death by her husband of 40 years, Lothar Pitz, and her sister Eileen Brooks (David).

A memorial service and burial will be held in November at Brier Creek Memorial Gardens in Raleigh, North Carolina.