Itsu Bitting, 90, of Emmaus, died July 23, 2023 in her home surrounded by her family. Born in Japan, she was the daughter of the late Risaburo and Ino (Takahashi) Kawashima.  She worked as a sewing machine operator in the garment industry for many years and later at Day-Timer's before retiring in May of 1994.  Itsu, known to her friends and family as "Edie," enjoyed walking with her friends, bus trips to the casino, gardening, crocheting and knitting, cooking and baking, and spending time with her family. She attended St. John's Lutheran Church, Emmaus.

Itsu is survived by her daughter, Linda S. wife of Michael Schanz of Emmaus; grandchildren, Matthew Hamilton, Jessica Becker, Eric Schanz, and Billy Schanz; 12 great-grandchildren; sister, Matsuko Kawata of Japan.  She is predeceased by a daughter, Leah Hamilton in 1986 and two brothers and four sisters.

Funeral services will be held on Thurs., July 27, 2023 at 11:00 AM in Schantz Funeral Home, P.C., 250 Main St., Emmaus.  Viewing 10:00 to 11:00 AM in the funeral home.  Interment will follow in Northwood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her memory St. John's Lutheran Church, 501 Chestnut St., Emmaus, Pa 18049 or to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, P.O. Box 22324, New York, NY 10087.