Tawnia E. Pitcher

Tawnia Elizabeth Pitcher, age 51, of Hugo, Minnesota passed away peacefully on April 10, 2024.

Born on February 18th, 1973, Tawnia was known for her patriotism, graduating from Park High School, she proudly joined the Army. She was passionate about defending her country and protecting those she loved. 

After 9/11 she was sent to Iraq where she incurred major back and neck injuries from a fall off a 20-foot tower when a bomb exploded at her post. She got 100% disability and continued to battle with her physical, mental, and emotional injuries throughout the remainder of her life.

Spiritually, Tawnia trusted in her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She enjoyed attending church, being a part of the ministry, and hosting Bible Studies in her home. She loved encouraging others with what she was learning in her daily devotions. Her spiritual insight was a breath of fresh air.

Mom said, “I remember the time when we lived on Glenview Navy Base and would walk around the base memorizing Bible verses. In third grade she won an award for knowing more Bible verses than the high schoolers.”

Tawnia was very good at soccer and had a talent for playing the violin. She was known for her witty sense of humor and able to change the lyrics to any song to express how she was feeling. Songs like “Stop! in the name of love before I break your face. Think it o-over.” When her sisters would practice the AWANA yell at home she would change it to “I wanna you to shut-a up-a”.

She was extremely generous and took care of her sisters. When she found out Amanda’s microwave went out, she bought a whole new kitchen appliance set. She told her, “You are a mom and have a family. And there’s nothing more stressful than not being able to cook for your family. So, I am not taking no for an answer.”

When she heard someone was sick, she would immediately send vitamins, teas, topicals, and money to help with additional expenses. When her nephew Chase got a chronic illness, she quickly sent money to help with the medical bills. When Siobhan got bedridden with COVID and had to take several weeks off from work, Tawnia gave enough money to help with the wages that had been lost. There are many more stories to share and no doubt many we didn’t even know about. She gave from her heart and was a hero to many. She will be greatly missed!

Tawnia would spend hours talking on the phone with her family. Dad said, “We spent a lot of time on the phone talking about current events and never ran out of conversation. She always had a good sense of humor and was very logical in her thinking. The times we spent together were always pleasant. We will continue our conversation in Heaven.”

Maria said, “Tawnia was always good to me. She warmed herself into my heart. She started calling me mom and I felt so proud of that. I will miss her so much.”

Growing up, Tawnia always looked out for everyone. She was always there for her sisters. When someone was in need, she was the first one to respond. She helped in more ways than expected. She always went above and beyond the call of duty for country, friends, and family.

She is survived by her father, Robert Pitcher (Maria), her mother, Juanita Flanders; sisters, Margaret Pitcher (Vince; Jeremiah, Kayleigh, Felicity, Cash), Siobhan Pitcher, Amanda Morris (Matt; Chase, Alexis, Jagger).

A Celebration of Tawnia's life will be held 11:00 AM, on Monday, April 22nd, 2024, at Mattson Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 343 N Shore Dr Forest Lake, Minnesota. The family will greet friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.  A private family burial of Tawnia’s ashes will be in St. Paul Park, MN where she had her greatest childhood memories.