ETHEL MARIE TITTNICH "EMIE" Ethel Marie Emie Tittnich passed away peacefully on June 2, 2020, in Stephens City, VA surrounded by family after a long illness. She was 81. Born to Michael and Katherine Tittnich in Uniontown, PA. Emie was a longtime resident of Pittsburgh, PA where she received her R.N. degree from Mercy Hospital School of Nursing, and a degree in Child Development from the University of Pittsburgh. She continued her education and received her master's degree in child psychology from Duquesne University. She was employed for many years at the Office of Child Development at the University of Pittsburgh where she became a major contributor to the knowledge and understanding of infant mental health. Her consultation and training extended to staff and graduate students in the field of child and family relationships. She was a founding member of the Pennsylvania Association of Infant Mental Health and was a beloved colleague and mentor to many in the Early Head Start Community. She published widely and was considered an expert in the fields of competent childcare and facilitating positive child development. Her love for children was evident by her devotion to her professional work with Arsenal Family and Children's Center in Pittsburgh where she made significant contributions to Arsenal's mission of advocating for the healthy development of young children and supporting parents in building nurturing relationships with their children. She traveled extensively to many different countries all around the world. She loved cooking and music, her faith and family. Her devotion to her catholic faith was evident by her commitment to attending daily Mass and her volunteerism at the Oratory where she fostered many relationships with the staff and seminarians for shared spiritual guidance and support. She is survived by her sister, Katherine Rodeheaver (Mike); her brother, Michael Tittnich; niece, Sherry Riley (Fred); nephew, Jeff Rodeheaver, nephew, Aidan Mahoney; great-nephews, Michael Riley, Kevin Riley; step-great-nephew, Zach Adams, and great-niece, Rachel Adams. Emie will be greatly missed by all especially her Pittsburgh family Bonnie, Diane, Vivian and Chris. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, June 8th at 11am at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church and will be streamed live at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCL0RyeVycN7KGExbFamgg1g A private graveside burial will follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Winchester, VA. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in her honor to Heartland Hospice Memorial Fund at HeartlandHospiceFund.org/Donate, or to Sacred Heart Church in Pittsburgh, 310 Shady Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15206. A scholarship fund will be developed in her honor at a later date. Please view obituaries and tribute wall at www.ompsfuneralhome.com Send condolences post-gazette.com/gb
