Jean M. Gittings, M.D.

Doctor and Socialite

Jean M. Gittings, noted physician, died Thursday, August 25, 2022, in her home at Longwood at Oakmont at the age of 98.

Dr. Gittings was born December 3, 1923 in Pinner, England (a northwestern suburb of London) to the late Robert and Maude Watkins Ottaway. She was educated at Queenswood, the well-known girls’ school in Hampshire. She attended medical school during the Second World War at University College London, where she was one of only a handful of females throughout the entire British Empire to become a doctor. 

Upon graduation in December of 1948, Jean sailed to America where she eventually became head of the anesthesia department of Pittsburgh Hospital. Many years later, she returned to the practice of internal medicine and became a member of the medical departments of U.S. Steel, ALCOA and Bell Telephone, where she worked for some 17 years.

Jean was an avid bridge player and love animals, sports and classical music - singing in the choir of the Fox Chapel Episcopal Church for many years. 

She was a board member and vice president of the Civic Light Opera for many years. She was a member of the American Medical Association and Longue Vue Club.

Jean was pre-deceased by her husband, Dr. Paul E. Gittings, who died in 1999. She is survived by two nieces; Gail Lutsch Wiens (Newton, Kansas) and Joanie Strosin (Waukesha, Wisconsin) and her dear friend of many years, J.R. Daniels.

There will be no visitation. A Funeral Service will be held Monday, September 5, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. at Christ Church Fox Chapel, 410 Christ Church Lane, Pittsburgh PA 15238. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the 1890 House Museum, 37 Tompkins Street, Cortland, New York 13045.

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