Barbara Wichansky, 73, of Freehold Township, passed away peacefully at CentraState Medical Center on August 16th, surrounded by the ones who loved her most.

Barbara grew up in Union, NJ. She attended Union High School, where she graduated with valedictorian honors. She attended Douglass College, the Womens College of Rutgers University on a four-year scholarship, followed by Rutgers Graduate School-New Brunswick earning an MSW (Masters of Social Work). Her career included the Children's Psychiatric Center, Eatontown, as a social worker; Raritan Bay Mental Health Center, Perth Amboy, as a principal psychiatric social worker; Kean College and Rutgers School of Social Work as an adjunct professor; a school social worker for the Princeton and Fair Haven, NJ regional school districts; and a vocational services rep for the Ocean County chapter of ARC. She also earned a license in marriage counseling.

In an era where inclusion was not yet a hallmark in education, Barbara was instrumental in working with teachers and parents to create a disability awareness program for students in her schools. She invited her 10-year-old son, Paul, then in fourth grade, to speak to her students. As Paul recalls, "After those assemblies, my mom and I would go for lunch.  I would ask her, 'Mom, how can I make the assembly better? What do you think I should do to improve them?'  Those are NEVER questions to ask your mother!!  Paul continues with these presentations 37 years later as a living legacy to his mom.

She took such joy in her children, Paul and Suzanne, and lived life through their eyes and dreams. She passed on to them a strong sense of pride, a devotion to family and friends, her gift of gab, and a true love of inspiring others who need confidence. Paul is a nationally-recognized motivational speaker; Suzanne is a school counselor adored by students, parents, and colleagues.