Leanore Therese Bittner

Leanore Therese Bittner passed away Saturday, April 18, 2020 in Portland, Oregon, after a courageous five-year journey fighting pancreatic cancer. At the end, she lay peacefully, cradled by her family, with a view of her garden brimming with life. The loss to her family is immeasurable.

Leanore was born on September 19, 1935 to Mary (Mrojeck) and John Richel in Leechburg, Pa. She came from impoverished means but was instilled with the value of education and the arts from her parents. In addition to developing superlative skills in the realms of contemporary art and classical music, Leanore, a true renaissance woman, simultaneously earned a chemistry degree at Carnegie Mellon University.

Leanore married Sandpoint resident Edward Bittner in 1957. She led an adventurous (and often demanding) life as the wife of a diplomat. She particularly loved their post in Nairobi, Kenya in which she honed her photography skills portraying the majesty of endangered wildlife in Nairobi National Park.

Between 1988 and 2006, Leanore lived in Sandpoint, generously contributing her talents and time to the community benefit. Notably, she was sought-after as a pianist in the evolution of local classical music singer (without credit or compensation) and for ensembles of community musicians. Leanore’s unique paintings were displayed at Sandpoint’s ArtWalk.

Also, Leanore loved volunteering as a reading tutor for the town’s disadvantaged youth and assisted at events on behalf of the Panida Theater. The sweetest of souls, she was a champion for vulnerable animals, including our priceless embattled wolves. Leanore, with her open heart, was beloved by many.

Leanore is survived by her daughters, Valerie Bittner, environmental attorney and writer, and Erika Bittner Magill, psychologist and musician; son-in-law, Brian Magill; grandson, Ian, age 24, budding opera singer; and granddaughter Erin, age 21, budding scientist.