Barbara Gitter Obituary
1946 - 2024
Barbara Gitter of Northeast Philadelphia passed away peacefully on January 11, 2024 at the age of 77. Loving mother to Alexandra "Ali" (Dan). Barbara is also survived by many close cousins and friends who were like family. Family and friends supported Barbara and Ali in navigating the Parkinson's Disease Dementia/Lewy Body Dementia journey.
Barbara received her bachelor's from Penn State University and her master's from Temple University, both degrees in psychology. Barbara is probably the only alumna to dislike Penn State. Barbara was a trailblazer, moving to California in the 1960s and earning a Ph.D. in psychology in 1976 - a time when few women held doctorates or practiced psychology. She returned to the East Coast, working with sexual assault survivors and substance abuse patients. Barbara established a private psychology practice in 1988 when Ali was born, and also taught college courses. She was a member of many Psychological Associations (the South Jersey, New Jersey, and American chapters).
Of all her adventures, Barbara's greatest accomplishment was being a mother. She was fiercely loyal and a beloved friend, maintaining friendships since childhood. She was known for being a stellar listener. Barbara loved to laugh, especially after a glass of wine. She believed in being silly and not sweating the small stuff. Barbara adored France after studying abroad in college and enjoyed traveling. She loved music, art, dancing and theater yet was a terrible singer. Barbara was generous with her love of people and animals. She was a kind, welcoming, and genuine soul who made the world a better place. She is greatly missed.
Relatives, friends and colleagues are invited to attend Barbara's celebration of life on Saturday, February 3, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. at Il Villaggio (211 Berlin Road, Cherry Hill NJ 08034). All are invited to her memorial service beforehand at 11:00 a.m. at Locustwood Memorial Park (1500 Route 70 West, Cherry Hill NJ 08034).
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Barbara's memory to any of her favorite charities:
- Animal Welfare Association
509 Centennial Blvd, Voorhees NJ 08043
https://give.awanj.org/give/443951/#!/donation/checkout
- Doctors Without Borders
P.O. Box 5030, Hagerstown MD 21741-5030
https://donate.doctorswithoutborders.org/secure/psearch-monthly-tabbed?ms=ADD2301U3U51&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=BRAND.MSF_CKMSF-BRAND.MSF-GS-STLK-ALL-VAR-BO-ALL-STLK-eCardSTLK-ONETIME
- Parkinson's Foundation
200 SE 1st Street, Suite 800, Miami FL 33131
https://secure3.convio.net/prkorg/site/Donation2?10243.donation=form1&df_id=10243&mfc_pref=T
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Kathy Seid-Eriksson
February 1, 2024
Barbara was my first clinical supervisor and subsequently became one of my closest friends. There's so very much we shared over the years for which I will always be grateful. Our adventures together in France will be forever etched in my memory. Thank you for your enduring friendship, Barbara. Having you in my life was truly a gift.
Christine Denario
January 22, 2024
Barbara was highly regarded among her colleagues in the South Jersey Psychological Association for her work to promote the interests of South Jersey psychologists, as well as for her warm and generous manner. SJPA wishes peace to all who mourn her passing.
Phyllis Smolinsky
January 21, 2024
Bobbie was my first cousin but we were more like sisters. We called each other Sister Bubbie. We lived in the same neighborhood for many years and our families spent many summers together at the shore. In 1953, when Bobbie was 7 years old, she was a hit as the flower girl at my wedding in her beautiful gown and bonnet and missing front tooth. Our families were together for holiday dinners for 60 years or so. Over the years, we shared happy and sad events and held each other's hand in joy and in sorrow. Bobbie was kind and considerate. She didn't have a mean, petty or selfish bone in her body. She was my friend. I miss her.
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Debbie Meles
January 20, 2024
Barb was a close and respected colleague who shared office space with me in Phil Bobrove's office for many years. She was an excellent and caring psychologist, as well as a friend and neighbor.
Carolyn Shanken-Kaye
January 20, 2024
Bobbie was the best of best friends. I knew her for 67 years and for 67 years I loved and admired her. I remember when we were about 10 talking to her every night on the wall phone in our kitchen. She was there for me through the good times and the hard times. She´ll be missed.
Nancy and Paul Watson
January 19, 2024
Though we were not family, we met Barbara and Ali at several family events. We loved Barbara´s enthusiasm for life and her interest in others. She always made us feel welcome. Her smile was contagious. Our condolences to Barbara´s family. May she rest in peace.
D M Scott
January 19, 2024
When starting a part-time private practice 1990, Barbara´s office was beside my own in Dr. Phil Bobrove´s building in Haddonfield; lasting about 10 years. Between sessions, she always offered a supportive smile and we were often joking, sharing about clinical issues. Whenever I arrived, I looked for Barbara because she conveyed a happy warm feeling. Bless her caring soul.
D M Scott
Marilyn Vernik Greist
January 18, 2024
Bobbi was 4 years old when she attended my 5th birthday party.
Janet Berson
January 18, 2024
We were psychology colleagues and were together at meetings. One of my first memories was actually at Barnes and Noble at the release of the second Harry Potter book. We were there with our kids but were the only adults we saw with lightning scars! Barbara was a dear and wonderful friend. We laughed and had adventures. How lucky I was to have had her as my friend. I will miss you.
Debra Albert
January 18, 2024
Cousin Bobbie was the only person in my family who knew I smoked cigarettes. When I visited her in San Diego, we would have coffee and a cigarette and good conversation every morning.
She made me laugh a lot, and her laugh was infectious.
Y. Tribbett
January 18, 2024
My Deepest Condolences to Ms.Gitters family, it was a Pleasure knowing and caring for her. She will be truly missed! May she rest peacefully
Carol Balbresky
January 18, 2024
Barbara, but as childhood friends we called her Bobbi. We met when we 12 years old and lived about 4 blocks away from each other. Bobbi, 2 other friends and myself walked to school everyday from Junior high school through high school. We went to different colleges, but remained close friends. She was a beautiful lady with a kind and generous heart.
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2001 Berlin Road 2001 Haddonfield-Berlin Road, Cherry Hill, NJ 08003
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