Barbara Ann Rutkowski

Barbara Ann Rutkowski, born on February 1, 1938, in Scranton, PA, passed away on Monday, October 14, 2024, at Serenity Hospice, Hamilton, NJ. 

Barbara will be greatly missed by her loving family, including her daughter Kim Kerr (Bruce) of Tunkhannock, PA, and son Max Rutkowski (Tina) of Levittown, PA. She was also a proud grandmother to Kelli Jenkins (Taylor), Samantha Kerr, Jesse Rutkowski, and to step-grandchildren Jayce McClelland (Kristin), and Jared McClelland. Her joy extended to her great-grandchildren, Beau Jenkins and Boyd Jenkins, and to her step-great-grandchild Rhett McClelland. Barbara was also a caring sister to Lawrence Shortz (Amy), and leaves behind many caring nieces and nephews who cherish her memory. She is preceded in death by her husband, Stanley W. Rutkowski, and her parents, Stanley Shortz and Madeline Shortz Caldwell.

Barbara's life was marked by her unwavering dedication to her family, and her legacy will continue to resonate in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. She graduated from East Stroudsburg State Teachers College and pursued a career in elementary education within the Bristol Township School District. She enjoyed spending her summers on Pelican Island in NJ with her friends and family. Her motto was “Don’t Worry Be Happy!” Over the years Barbara attended many of her grandchildren’s sporting and school events cheering from the sideline. She was their biggest fan and dearly loved and cherished her time with them. 

We will all dearly miss our “Babci.”

Services will be held privately under the direction of Galzerano Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be to the Foundation Fighting Blindness, PO Box 45740, Baltimore, MD 21297-5740.

Foundation Fight Blindness Donation Link