Barbara Gershkow

Barbara, November 7, 2023, of Jenkintown, PA. Beloved wife of the late Dr. Edward Gershkow; loving mother of Geraldine (Allen) Richmond, Cynthia (Ira) Schwartz and Jonathon Gershkow; cherished grandmother of Philip, Robyn (Rickey), Joy (Ryan), Rachel (Neil), Abigail (Evan), Jamie, Dani (Brian) and great grandmother of Lauryn, Michael, Ella, Ethan, Emme, Evan, Dara, Micah, Eden, and Jordan.

Wow, Barbara Gershkow celebrated her 100th birthday in September and had a long and blessed life. She exemplified grace, beauty, and love. She loved life with her huge infectious smile and each day was sunshine to her. She married Eddie, a determined, caring dentist in northeast Philadelphia. They shared 61 years of marriage. She achieved her dream of obtaining a college degree and became a certified special education teacher. She made a difference in the lives of her students and continued to be a substitute teacher into her eighties. Barbara was a member of Temple Menorah. Later she became a member of the board of Melrose B’nai Israel Emanuel where she coined the phrase , The Little Shul with the Big Heart. She shared winters in Florida and summers in Ventnor. As our Mother said, “Thanks for a Beautiful Life.” She enjoyed and honored the life she was given.

Family and friends are invited to services Sunday, 11:00 AM, at Melrose B’nai Israel Emanu-El, 8339 Old York Road, Elkins Park, PA. Entombment at Montefiore Cemetery. The family will return to the residence of Geraldine & Allen Richmond for Shiva which will continue on Monday and Tuesday evenings. The family will receive guests at 6:30 PM with minyan at 7:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Barbara’s memory may be made to Melrose B’nai Israel Emanu-El or, as Barbara called it… “the little shul with a big heart,” at the address above or (mbiee.org).