Rebecca Pitre’s life has always been a rural life. Her early life was one of constant change. Her father was a professional Standardbred Harness horse driver and trainer. His work uprooted Rebecca and her six siblings quite often. In fact, Rebecca was “the new kid” twice during her senior year of high school. Rebecca’s outgoing personality and eagerness to make friends was only strengthened through this way of life.
During one of these moves she met her future husband Tom. They went on to raise their children on a horse farm in Maryland. Now she lives in Lamoille County, Vermont where she continues to enjoy the rewards and challenges that rural living brings. Vermont is also home to two of Rebecca and Tom’s children and three of their seven grandchildren.
Rebecca homeschooled her three children until they entered their local middle school. When her children were grown, she prioritized volunteering in the public schools. She was awarded the Character Counts Coach of the Year award from Maryland Governor Larry Hogan. She also designed and delivered a Black History Month presentation about America’s first African American veterinarian, William Key.
Rebecca’s love of children and horses inspire her to get her therapeutic riding instructor certification through NARHA/PATH. For many years she used this skill doing everything from volunteering with equestrian athletes at the Maryland state Special Olympics to encouraging timid children during their first encounter with equine.
Her life at home in Vermont consists of grandchildren, family service and working with her husband Tom doing construction work and sugaring. She tends a nice flock of laying hens and each year raises 100 meat chickens that are butchered by, and shared with, her extended family. Two donkeys, playing music and community gatherings provide most of her entertainment. Whenever possible, she carves out time for reading for she is curious about almost everything and loves to learn.
One difficulty about a rural life is that church is often very far away. Rebecca travels over an hour to attend Community Lutheran Church in Burlington, Vermont, and she never regrets making the effort to be a part of the worship there. Her faith is nourished through the Word and Sacraments she receives. It is her faith in Christ that sustains her, allowing her to love and serve others.
Rebecca has never been afraid to take on new tasks or to work hard. Her respect for individuals and their rights and understanding their basic needs will prove to be a tremendous asset as she prepares for public service.
