It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of our mother, Patricia Robinson Bittermann. She was born in Waltham, MA, on February 9, 1941, and passed away peacefully on the morning of April 11, 2026. Ever the fierce protector she had always been, and in accordance with her wishes, she took her last breath alone, shielding her loved ones from bearing witness to her transition. You took your power back, Mom—good for you!

Pat is survived by her loving children, Lissa and Jeremy, and their spouses, Tricia Jamiol and January Amspacher, as well as her grandsons, Elliot and Remmy. She is also survived by her nephew, Greg David Robinson; his wife, Debbie Anne Robinson; her sister-in-law, Carrie Ellen Robinson; her former sister-in-law, Suzanne Marcoux Adams; and husband Gary William Adams. Her treasured and devoted friends—Dale, Mora, Marcia, and Laura—are mourning her loss alongside her family.

She was predeceased by her mother, Doris Hogland Robinson; her father, David Alexander Robinson; her brother, David Alexander Robinson II; and her childhood best friend, Pam Sumner (Pammy). Pat welcomed and cared for many rescue animals in her life. We hope she reunites, in particular, with her beloved German Shepherd, Fritz, a gentleman of a dog; her sweet cat Hoover, who “specialized in being cute”; and her silly cockatiel, Mr. Bird, who ate oatmeal out of her bowl every morning at breakfast while playing with her placemat.

At the top of the list of things Pat will be remembered for is her unwavering devotion to her children. She was simply the most perfect mother; she held Lissa and Jeremy with an open hand, guiding them through life with a gentle but firm sensibility. She always suggested they “make good choices” on their way out the door and was there to help pick up the pieces if they didn’t. She built a home in Cape Elizabeth, Maine, that was surrounded by forest and nature, filled with sunshine and love, and was bursting with humor and the freedom, for all who entered, to be themselves unconditionally.

Pat found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She was an avid knitter who expressed her love through the beautiful pieces she created for those she held dear. Her playful spirit made her a joy to be around, especially during card games. She enjoyed puzzles of all kinds, a ruthless game of bridge or cribbage (particularly if she was able to skunk Jeremy), and loved a good Hendrick’s martini. She adored spending time with her family, walking Crescent Beach, puttering around in the wild gardens at her home, listening to Elvis Presley, cooking, sitting in the sun, Saturday snuggles with Lissa watching golf, looking through catalogs backward, and taking long, relaxing drives in her convertible with the wind blowing through her hair. Last but not least, she roared over and over with laughter at the “Golf Course Airhorn” prank by Johnny Knoxville and his crew.

Pat graduated from the University of New Hampshire in 1963 with a Bachelor's degree in Occupational Therapy. She went on to be a pioneer in the medical arena in Maine, where she was recruited to start the Occupational Therapy Department at Maine Medical Center, and for 15+ years was the only certified Biofeedback Therapist in the state, running her own private practice, where she used the technology to help heal and support countless members of her community. Her gentle ways, coupled with in-depth knowledge of the human body, changed the lives of her clients when traditional modalities had failed them. Pat also served on the Board of Directors for MEMIC for many years, bringing a voice that reflected her unique knowledge of occupational therapy and biofeedback.

Her passing has created a void in the lives of those who love her that will never be filled, yet we also know that now she is free from what ailed her and is hopefully walking with ease in the sunshine, listening to the birds, and holding all of us who miss her with her soft, open hands. Patricia is, and will forever be, loved and dearly missed.

A celebration of life will be held in August 2026; please contact celebratepatbittermann@gmail.com for details or to share sentiments with the family. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in her honor to the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland or the Good Shepherd Food Bank in Auburn, Maine.

“...Tell me, what else should I have done? Doesn't everything die at last, and too soon? Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” ― Mary Oliver