Bernadine "Bernie" Gitterman Obituary (1920

Bernadine "Bernie" Gitterman, 89, of Leawood, KS, passed away on Tuesday, April 20, 2010 from complications of pancreatic cancer. Graveside services will be held at 2:00pm Wednesday, April 21, at Rose Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Kansas City Hospice House or a charity of one’s choice. Bernie was born in Kansas City, MO on December 3, 1920 and spent most of her life in Kansas City. She attended Paseo High School and secretarial school following graduation. It was at this time she met the “love of her life” Paul, whom she shared over 60 years of joy. They were fortunate to share their years together as a team, and as a team, they raised their daughters, worked hard, and together they were able to enjoy their years of retirement. It is almost impossible to talk about Bernie without talking about Paul. She was a loving, supportive, and generous wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. She was devoted to her children and grandchildren. Bernie was preceded in death by her parents, Ernest and Matilda Spector and her husband Paul Gitterman, who died in 2004. She is survived by her daughters and son-in-law: Judy and Howard Siegel; Marilyn Baker; grandchildren: Kevin Baker, Corey Baker and his partner Jim Hurlbert and Danny Siegel; two great-grandchildren: Austin and Ally Siegel; sisters and brother-in-law: Harriett and Stanley Katz; Helen Gale; and her “daughter like” friend: Linda Smuckler. Bernie spent hours with her grandchildren reading, playing board games, and even some make-believe was added to her abilities to entertain. She will be sorely missed and fondly remembered by the many friends and extended family whose lives she touched and enriched.