Obituary of Barbara A. Fijalkowski

Barbara A. Fijalkowski, née Polk, age 72, passed away on April 19th, 2024 at Inspira Hospital in Mullica Hill, NJ, after a courageous battle with cancer. Her loving husband of 50 years, Ron, was by her side.

Born and raised in Philadelphia, Barb graduated from St. Hubert's High School in 1969. She went on to earn a nursing degree from Einstein Medical Center and began her career as a neonatal intensive care nurse at the renowned Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), caring for premature and critically ill newborns with unwavering compassion.

After marrying in 1973, Barb and Ron moved to Pitman, NJ. When their children were born, Barb put her nursing career on hold to dedicate herself to her family, guiding her children through their formative years. She later transitioned to medical billing, auditing hospital systems throughout the Philadelphia region. Barb eventually found her niche in retail, establishing herself at Ruth's Hallmark in Glassboro, NJ, where her warm personality and gift for helping customers shined.

After retiring in 2020, Barb relished her role as a doting "Mommom" to her four beloved grandchildren: Lincoln, Greyson, Kaiden, and Koregon. She cherished quality time with her family, curling up with a Stephen King novels, tending to her garden, and indulging her love of cooking and shopping for her loved ones. Barb had a zest for life, frequently attending live shows at the Broadway Theatre of Pitman, exploring local restaurants, and traveling with her devoted husband, Ron. Her infectious laughter could often be heard at the slot machines during their trips to Borgata.

Predeceased by her son Joseph, parents George and Blanche Polk, and brother George Polk, Barb leaves behind her husband Ron, children April (Garrett) Field, Ronald (Jennifer) Fijalkowski, and Kasey (Kevin) Pereira, grandchildren, brother-in-law Eugene (Mary) Fijalkowski, and her faithful Bassett Hound doggie companion, LucyLu.

Barb's warmth, generosity, and unwavering love for her family and friends will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her legacy of compassion, resilience, and finding joy in life's simplest pleasures will continue to inspire those she left behind.

Friends may call on Monday, April 29 from 9:00 to 10:45 AM at Kelley Funeral Home, 125 Pitman Ave, Pitman, NJ. Funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, 161 Pitman Ave, Pitman, NJ at 11 AM. Following mass, all are invited to attend a luncheon celebrating Barb at Italian Affair Restaurant, 900 Delsea Drive, Glassboro, NJ.

Those desiring may make contributions to the Harriet and Ronald Lassin Newborn/Infant Intensive Care Unit (N/IICU) of the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia by Mail: Harriet and Ronald Lassin Newborn/Infant Intensive Care Unit, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Foundation, PO Box 781352, Philadelphia, PA 19178-1352 or Online: Https://chop.donordrive.com/campaign/In-Memory-of-Barbara-Fijalkowski

Memories may be shared at www.kelleyfhpitman.com.