Barbara Gitter

Barbara J. Gitter
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