Cranbrook.edu

Elizabeth DeWitt

5/20/2005

1967 - 1988

Elizabeth DeWitt worked and supervised in the Kingswood dorms for 21 years.

She served as the director of dorms until the schools merged in 1985, when she became assistant director of residential life.

DeWitt was known as considerate and loyal and was highly respected by her associates.

Her husband, Peter, was a longtime math instructor and trainer at Cranbrook.

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Date Posted

Anne Bagamery
2/17/2009 @ 12:00 AM

Her real name may have been Elizabeth, but to me she will always be Princess Rita, the wonderful moving force behind Kingswood Camp. How she and "Chief Pete" found the energy to give so much to Kingswood and Cranbook, all during the school year AND during the summer, speaks to how devoted they were to the schools. Clare, you were lucky to have them as your real parents; the rest of us were lucky to be able to borrow them for a while.
Julie Yonkus
4/1/2007 @ 9:51 PM

Kind, gentle, firm, supportive, approachable, whimsical, all these words describe a woman who makes 13 year old girls gracefully turn into competent, responsible and grateful young women! All of my memories of Mrs. DeWitt are beautiful. I recently found myself, reminiscing about her sit-down dinners. Saying grace: "Bless, O Lord, this food to our use and our lives to thy service. Amen" Short and to the point. Thanks for taking time to further shape our souls too, Mrs. DeWitt! And, seniors, remember this one?": 4 more days till vacation, back to civilization (2), the train will carry us there! Back mothers and fathers, back to somebody's brother, back to all or the other, the train will carry us there. Back to sodas and milkshakes, back to parties and late dates, back to sleep in the morning! The train will carry us there! We had fun in the dining hall too! Thanks for the memories!
Eric Leins
6/27/2006 @ 1:51 PM

I never had Mrs. DeWitt as a dorm mother (though she chased me out a couple of times), but I have very fond memories of she and Mr. DeWitt as people. Always kind, warm and welcoming, with great humor and infectious laughs I can remember like yesterday. I was saddened to hear they have both passed, but heartened to find this portal where their memories can live on and those they have touched can reconnect.
Jolie Kalman-Behmlander
3/9/2006 @ 7:55 PM

What a great Mom she was to all of us. Someone who ruled with a very firm iron fist (which I sure needed!) and had a heart of gold. Always a part of me.
Kathryn Wilson Farrokhnia
1/15/2006 @ 7:52 PM

What a great lady! She cared about each girl, sometimes more than we wanted--sometimes more than we deserved. She left her mark on the world, a legacy of grace and integrity.
Courteney Gettel
9/27/2005 @ 8:31 AM

She was my dorm mom.. she was great.