Obituary of Kiersten Suzanne Marie Stitt

STITT: Kiersten Suzanne Marie. Our beloved daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, cousin, auntie and friend, Kiersten Suzanne Marie Stitt, passed away on Sunday, July 7th, 2019, at 25 years of age. Kiersten, or Kiki to most who knew her, was born on April 6th, 1994. The fourth of five children, Kiersten was raised in a loving, busy home. Her early life revolved around travelling for gymnastics and hockey practices, attending piano lessons, playing with her toy horses and enjoying lots of free time playing outdoors. Seven years of Kiersten's childhood were spent on an acreage just outside of Brandon, sparking in her a deep love of nature and animals. Though small in stature, Kiersten was a large presence in our family, and she could light up any room with her humour and warmth. At any given moment, Kiersten could bring a smile to our faces with one of her characteristic jokes or quirky antics. When it came time for fun and games, she was always the initiator. Her life was filled with many beloved family traditions, including summers at Clear Lake, Spring Break ski holidays, Saturday family movie nights and Christmas Eve celebrations surrounded by cousins. Childhood bonds strengthened with time, and distance did not diminish the loving, supportive relationships that she shared with her family. In 2018 we were thrilled to be all together, as a growing family of nine, for a ski holiday at Sun Peaks that also included extended family. We will always treasure the memories of the love and laughter that we shared then. In a musical family, Kiersten's creativity and tremendous appreciation for all forms of music were nurtured and cherished. She loved to sing in choirs and school and community musicals. An accomplished classical pianist, Kiersten studied up to Grade 10 piano with Claudette Caron. This was the foundation on which she developed a passion for composing her own melodies and lyrics. Kiersten performed her songs at venues in Brandon, Clear Lake and London, Ontario. From house parties to pubs, Kiersten cherished the opportunity to share her love of music, especially when she got the chance to perform with her brother, Evan, or her best friend, Andrea. Above all, Kiersten was an artist who connected with herself and others through music. In addition to her musical education, Kiersten had rich experiences with formal education. She attended Waverly Park School and Vincent Massey High School. She began her undergraduate studies at Brandon University. After first year she travelled to New Zealand for a six-week holiday, before transferring to Western University in 2013. Never one to pass up on an adventure, she took advantage of Western's exchange program to study at Erasmus University in Rotterdam, Netherlands, for her fourth year. She found beauty and inspiration in the culture that she explored during her time in Europe. Some family members were able to visit her there and she loved to share her affinity for the Netherlands with us. Kiersten achieved her Bachelor of Arts degree with a Major in Psychology from Western University in 2017. Recently, she was accepted into the Faculty of Education at Brandon University, and she was to commence studies in the fall. Tragically, a terrible illness—depression—took her away from us abruptly and unexpectedly. In her 25 years, Kiersten brought so much light and love to all who knew her. When people speak or write about Kiersten, the word we most often hear is beauty. She was beautiful inside and out! She found joy in bringing beauty into our lives through music and nature, and even through the pride that she took in making our surroundings cozy. Kiersten is predeceased by grandparents John and Elaine Sullivan, and Evan N. Stitt. Kiersten will be lovingly remembered and cherished by her parents, Gerald and Maureen Stitt; her siblings: Laurel Stevenson (Douglas, Rowan, and Sawyer) of Kenton, Manitoba; Evan (Kristie Jennings) of Toronto, Ontario; Erin (Ryan Burnham); and Caroline of Brandon; Grandmother Alice Stitt of Victoria, B.C.; aunts and uncles: Ingrid Stitt; Robert and Suzanne Stitt; Kathryn Stitt and Michael Malazdrewicz; Alan Stitt and Shannon Ewasiuk; Linda Sullivan and Stephan Moresoli; Ann Sullivan and Erik Anderson; and Kevin and Natasha Sullivan; cousins: Greg, Wayne, Jason, David, Claira, Brooklyn, and Evelyn Stitt; Fiona Brown; Lukas and Maïa Moresoli; Keely and Finn Anderson; and Jiliane and Brock Sullivan. Many extended family members and dear friends will also remember her with love. A Memorial Service was held for Kiersten on Friday, July 12th, 2019 at Central United Church, with Reverend Doug Craig officiating. A private interment will take place at a later date. Donations in Kiersten's memory may be made to a charity of one's choice. Please feel free to contact Kiersten's family to share your memories of her. "When you are sorrowful, look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight." - Kahlil Gibran