Jericho - Mariah Pittman, age 30, died by suicide August 4, 2018, in Jericho after a long battle with depression. Mariah was a compassionate, loving and intelligent woman who will be remembered by family and friends for her interest in writing, her passion for justice, her sensitive heart and her love of travel.
Mariah was the daughter of Jennifer Swint of South Burlington, David Pittman of Brattleboro, and Ann Bonanno of Jericho, and the sister of Nick Pittman of Jericho. Mariah is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles and cousins as well as friends around the world.
Mariah was Valedictorian of the South Burlington High School Class of 2006. She was an avid reader, a master of foreign languages and an accomplished gymnast. After graduating from Washington University in St. Louis, Mariah studied and worked for five years in England, Turkey and Italy. Her work included research, writing, editing and teaching English. She volunteered at numerous nonprofits, embraced new challenges, and traveled in Europe and Africa.
More recently, Mariah worked in the YMCA after-school program at Underhill ID and as a substitute teacher in Jericho and Underhill, where she was a valued member of the team.
She cared deeply and spoke out for the rights of women, refugees, LGBTQ+ and those who have been disenfranchised, yet was quiet about her own struggles. She experienced many cultures: tasting the food, drinking the wine, dancing to the music, making friends everywhere she went. Many recall her openness to others, infectious smile, and the invitation in her eyes to engage in conversation and shared interests. In her short life, she made a difference to so many people as demonstrated by the recent outpouring of love and tributes paid to her by countless friends around the world.
A celebration of Mariah’s life will be held on Sunday, September 23, 2018, at 1:00 p.m. at the Mount Mansfield Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in Jericho, Vermont. Friends wishing to make a donation in Mariah’s memory may consider the Trinity College of Vermont Memorial Scholarship at https://www.vsac.org/vsf. Select “Donate now via Network for Good” and follow the instructions. Visit www.awrfh.com to share your memories and condolences.
We cannot believe she is gone. We miss her desperately and will always hold her in our hearts. As one of her friends suggested, "I will remember her light and do my best to honor her by shining warmth on others." Rest in peace, sweet Mariah.