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Barbara Littman Obituary
AGE: 74 •
Barbara Kagan Littman, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, design pioneer, teacher, professor and philanthropist died in New Brunswick, NJ on Sunday night. She was 74.
Born in Perth Amboy, New Jersey in 1942 to parents Samuel and Augusta Kagan, Barbara graduated Tufts University in 1964 and started her career as a teacher in what was the first Headstart Program in New Jersey. At the age of 53, Barbara received a Masters of Architecture from NJIT. Barbara spent most of her life engaged to her love of modern design. She was instrumental in the growth of Littman Jewelers by modernizing store design and displays. An accomplished interior designer, Barbara taught as a professor various classes at NJIT and Kean University in their departments of architecture. She was also a Docent at the Museum Art and Design in New York City.
Throughout her life, Barbara was a philanthropist devoted to a number of charities. She was a lifelong supporter of the Jewish Federation of Middlesex County, and served on boards of the Betty Ford Clinic in Palm Springs, California, Alyn Pediatric Hospital in Israel, the Ronald McDonald House in New Brunswick and Long Branch, and ASAP in New Brunswick.
Most important to her was her love of her family and friends. Her signature birthday present to her ten grandchildren was the custom designed hat she hand delivered to each child on their birthday.
Barbara tried to make the lives of everyone better around her both emotionally and spiritually. She was able to connect with anyone on any level; a rare skill. She was an icon of style and elegance.
Barbara Littman is survived by her husband of 53 years, Leonard Littman, children Jay Littman of Highland Park, Michael Littman of Red Bank, NJ, and Rachel Littman of New York, NY, Louise Solsen Littman, Jill Adams, and Irina Littman, as well as ten loving grandchildren: Hunter, Sophia, Emma, Jackson, Julian, Leyla, Oliver, Daniel, Melana, and Beya, her sister Susan Blume and her brother Richard Kagan.
Services will be held at Anshe Emeth Memorial Synagogue in New Brunswick, NJ on Tuesday at noon. Donations can be made to ASAP or Dina's Dwellings; both in New Brunswick.
Arrangements are under the direction if the Crabiel Parkwest Funeral Chapel, 239 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Barbara Littman
Sponsored by Crabiel Parkwest Funeral Chapel - New Brunswick.
leyla littman
March 23, 2020
I know my grandmother has passed about 2 years ago but just to look at pictures of her is greatly sad. we will always remember her
Nanette Leonard
March 15, 2017
I am so greatly saddened to learn of Barbara's passing. She was an incredibly warm, kind, caring, thoughtful intelligent and immensely talented woman.
I have wonderful memories that I will hold dear.
My heartfelt sympathies go out to her beautiful family.
Nan
Rebecca Egozi
March 11, 2017
Dear Lenny & Family,
We are so sad to hear about Barbara.
We know how very special she was.
Our Thoughts are with you.
Rebecca & Ben Egozi
Stefan Bright
March 11, 2017
My deepest condolences to the Littman family. My brief time with her was unforgettable. I am grateful she passed through my life.
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Wendy Blume
March 9, 2017
My sincerest sympathy on the loss of Barbara Littman. Prayers to the family.
Lisa Canellys Piel
March 8, 2017
I was saddened to hear of Barbara's passing.
My sincerest sympathy to the Littman family.
Albert Tafa
March 8, 2017
Mr, Littman and family,
My condolences, I enjoyed working with Barbara over the years at 133 w 22nd.
She is a beautiful human being.
Suzanne Barnes
March 7, 2017
Barbara and I traveled through Germany together about 17 years ago, and visited often whenever I was in NYC. I always wanted her to come to FL to bring the grandkids and was hoping she would make it to the upcoming national AIA convention in April. I'm so sorry for your loss. Blessings to you all.
Joseph Gigliotti
March 7, 2017
Lenny, I was saddened to hear of your loss of Barbara. We have lots of fond memories of when she shared her home and interesting views on art and architecture.
She made our last HPHS "55 Reunion memorable.
Gigs
Robin Hoffman
March 7, 2017
In reading about Barbara, I can just imagine what a beautiful angel of a person she was..caring, kind and talented.. although I didn't know her personally, I can sense a golden heart and here I would like to express my condolences to all of her family, and in particular to her sweet sister, Susan my dear old friend, and Richard, her brother who inspired me musically to no end..God bless and know that many people care...With heartfelt love, Robin Hoffman
Zeynep Celik
March 7, 2017
Barbara was first my beloved student at NJIT, then my great colleague. I am very saddened by her passing and will remember her with much affection.
Sharyn Bey
March 7, 2017
How can I fit 62 years of anecdotes into a few lines about my friend Barbara? Impossible, so without heed, let me start by saying she was my first TRUE friend and remained that way always. We met in 6th grade, grew together and grew apart. I got married right out of high school and Boona went to college. I was her "matron" of honor at her wedding to Lenny and helped her with design chores (we shared that aesthetic). Over the years, children, divorces (mine), aging parents... all life's joys and bumps in the road, were readily shared with my friend. Barbara was a constant presence, whether in body or spirit, and a treasure that I will always hold dear.
Harriet Schwartz
March 7, 2017
My sincerest sympathy, Lenny. Barbara was a terrific , talented lady and always a gracious hostess at our class reunions. She will be missed by the class of 55.
Gail Barley
March 7, 2017
My Condolences to Barbara's beloved family. I am an old friend from NYC. Barbara was an inspiration, a funny, smart and loving Lady who was devoted to her family and friends along with her many philanthropic passions and her wonderful work. It's been awhile since I have seen her but she left an imprint on me. I always felt supported by her. My prayers are with you. Gail Barley
Jimmy Dumas
March 7, 2017
Our sincerest heartfelt condolences go out to the Littman family. Barbara was such a kind, loving, and nurturing person. Over the years, she never ceased to amaze and inspire me with her creativity and dedication. We will miss her dearly.
Barbara Blumberg
March 7, 2017
My sincere condolences to the Littman Family.
I am saddened to hear of Barbara's passing. May her memory be for a blessing.
Samantha McEvoy
March 6, 2017
Barbara was a professor and inspiration of mine at Kean University. Such a beautiful soul and hysteric personality. It was a pleasure learning from Barb, interior design mostly but more importantly how to be a successful, proud, and poised woman. She literally did it all and always with a smile on her face. Rest forever in peace sweet angel, Barb.
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