Obituary of Barbara P. Whittam

Barbara P. Whittam (1926-2020) Barbara P. Whittam, a few weeks shy of 94 years of age, lifelong resident of Palmetto St., danced through the Gates of Heaven on February 13, 2020. She was born in New York City in 1926 to the late Barbara and William F. Kipker, sister to Alice Bechtold and Mildred Zettinger in New York City. Barbara's entire life was selflessly devoted to her loving family. She was the wife of Lt. Henry J. Whittam (Eng. 291), who together raised four professional children; the late Dr. James H. Whittam (wife Sibylle), Dennis C. Whittam (wife Barbara), Barbara Schechter (husband Dr. Steven Schechter) and Dr. Denise Whittam. Barbara spent many wonderful years with family and friends in Ridgewood, familiar to all in the community, earning her the honorary title of "Mayor of Palmetto St." She was a phenomenal baker and cook, sharing many meals of traditional German recipes with the entire community, including firehouses and schools. Holiday feasts were bountiful, as well as barbeques and a backyard pool, where she invited many children on Palmetto Street. She raised all of her children to reach for the stars, and to believe in themselves, so they could successfully realize all of their dreams and goals, pushing them to boundless limits. She cared about all of those around her and made them the best they could be. Modest and totally selfless, she put everybody ahead of herself; the true epitome of being the greatest MOM. She loved music and dancing, as well as singing, even if in her own kitchen. Her favorite treat was listening to each of her children play musical instruments, as she sang loudly in the background. Barbara's pride and joy was spending time with her wonderful seven grandchildren Lauren C .Barbara Whittam, Joseph H. Schechter (wife Terri) Jessica Barbara Whittam, Christopher H. Whittam, Dr. Barbara Schechter (cardiologist), Christine Denise Whittam, Alexandre James Henry Whittam and her two beautiful great-granddaughters, Penny and Molly Schechter. She leaves behind a legacy of love. God granted her wish in life, which was to remain independently in her own home, enjoying Ridgewood until the day she died. There will be two visitations on Tuesday Feb. 18, 2020 from 2:00-5:00 PM and 7:00- 9:00 PM. The funeral service will be at 8:00 PM on Tuesday Feb 18, 2020 and at 10:00 am on Wednesday morning Feb. 19, 2020. Barbara's final resting place will be with her husband Henry and her parents at Lutheran All Faiths Cemetery , 67-29 Metropolitan Ave.