Nadine Morrow Pitzinger

Nadine Morrow Pitzinger, 99, passed away May 2, 2024. She was born February 13, 1925, at home in the Hemming community of Cooke County, to George Samuel Morrow and Essie Sullivan Morrow.  Attended by her grandmothers Louisa Bevers Sullivan and Martha Vaughn Morrow, her entrance into the world was signaled by her aunt Lelah Morrow Parker waving a dishtowel to the men working in the fields.

As a child, Nadine loved riding her horse Betty, racing against the school bus on her way to Union Grove School.  A recipient of the 4-H Gold Star, she graduated from Pilot Point High School in 1942 and obtained a journalism degree from Texas State College for Women (now TWU) in 1946.  It was during her college years that she captured the heart of Joe, a Texas A&M cadet.  They exchanged vows in 1948 at Little Chapel in the Woods.

After raising six children, Nadine embarked on a teaching career in 1973 that brought her immense joy.  She often reminisced about her years teaching 4th, 5th, and 6th grades simultaneously at Sivells Bend.  One day, while tidying up the classroom, she was surprised to find the principal’s hunting mule observing her from the doorway.  Nadine later taught in Valley View, where she was honored with the Regional Teacher of the Year award and played a pivotal role in developing Gainesville’s GT daVinci program.  She pioneered a One Room School program to educate students about early 1900’s schooling, starting at the Mt. Springs Community Center—the site of Cooke County’s first school—to become the Bloomfield One Room School program in Pilot Point.  Initially, the program included games like mumblety-peg, where children would toss pocket knives into a circle, alongside the enduring favorite, Annie Over.

Nadine was an active volunteer over the years including Girl Scouts, Pilot Point PTO, Jones Farm, and Mt. Springs Community Center, directing the Mello Drummers’ theatrical performances for 31 years.  As a 4-H volunteer, she directed Halloween plays and penned numerous award-winning Share the Fun skits, often featuring her grandchildren.  She loved softball, volleyball and ping pong.

Proud to participate in Boston University Longevity Study, Nadine celebrated her family’s remarkable lifespan—her mother lived to 107, her aunts 109 and 100, and her sister 96.  She cherished her family, friends, students and her John Deere riding lawn mower, although the precise order of her affections remain a mystery.

Preceding her in death were her daughter Kristin Pitzinger, grandson George William Pitzinger, sister Odessa Isbell, and niece Sherry Fox.  Nadine is survived by her children, Margaret (Steve) Sale, Mary “Triffa” (Paul Sr) Cookson, Joe (Marilyn) Pitzinger, George (Deanna) Pitzinger, and Amy (Elvin) McCormick; 13 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and treasured nephews and nieces.

Visitation will be held Monday, May 6, from 6 to 8 p.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Gainesville, TX, followed by a service on Tuesday, May 7, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Paul’s, with burial at Tyson Cemetery all under the direction of Geo. J. Carroll & Son Funeral Home.