Roberta "Bobbie" Ann Whittaker

Roberta Ann (Smith) Whittaker, age 89, known as “Bobbie” to friends and family, passed away Sunday, February 18, 2024, at her home in Lakewood. Bobbie was born in Philadelphia, and attended West Chester State Teachers College where she graduated in 1956 with a Bachelor’s degree in Education. It was during her college years that she met her future husband, Ralph (“Whitey”), whom she married in 1957. While Whitey served in the military, they lived in Haymount, North Carolina before settling in Brick, then Toms River, and finally, Leisure Village in Lakewood. Bobbie fulfilled her dream of becoming a teacher, retiring after 28 years of influencing generations of children at Midstreams Elementary School in Brick. The pinnacle of her career was being recognized by the State for excellence in education as Teacher of Year.

Bobbie was devoted to her Christian faith, a member of the Presbyterian Church of Toms River for many years, and active in the Presbyterian Women’s program. She was a skilled downhill skier and figure skater, spending winters with family at their Berkshire house. Married to a passionate traveler, she was always game for grand adventures, including “heli-hiking” in British Columbia, vacations in Bermuda, exploring China, Turkey, India, Austria, Norway, Italy, Spain and skiing the alps. She loved to entertain friends and family, and was an awesome cook, best known for her pies and extensive Christmas cookie assortment.

Predeceased by her husband, Ralph, she is survived by her loving sons Mark and his wife, Linda, of Lake Wylie, South Carolina, and Steve and his wife Barbara of Brick; her cat, Rosie; and her aide Bobbi Paul, who gave her the gift of friendship, and an independent, joyful life in her last years. Relatives and friends will be received on Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the D’Elia Funeral Home, 1300 Vermont Avenue, Lakewood, NJ 08701. Her funeral service will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. in the funeral home. Bobbie will be laid to rest in Ocean County Memorial Park, 1722 Silverton Road, Toms River, NJ 08755.

In Lieu of flowers a memorial contribution can be made in Bobbie's memory to Popcorn Park Animal Refuge; https://ahs.givecloud.co/give