Barbara Whitish

Madison - October 21, 2013 Barbara Oppenheim Whitish passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family. She was born in New York, NY on February 18, 1952, the only child of Melvin and Goldie Oppenheim. She grew up in Queens, NY and graduated from SUNY - Stony Brook with a degree in comparative literature. In 1973 she moved to Madison to continue her studies earning masters' degrees in comparative literature and library science from UW - Madison. Shortly upon moving to Madison, Barbara met Dennis Whitish whom she married in 1976. Barbara and Dennis settled on the west side of Madison where they raised their two children, Jeremy and Jessica. While raising a young child, Barbara attended UW Law School part-time earning her JD in 1984. She practiced family law throughout her career with long time business partner and friend Al Reuter.
Barbara was fervent about her work but she was even more enthusiastic when it came to spending time with her family. She was an ardent Badger and Packer fan and enjoyed being outdoors gardening and bird-watching. She was just as apt to crank the rock n roll while driving with the top down on her red convertible as she was to read a novel or do a jigsaw puzzle. She was an incredible wife, mother and friend. She will be dearly missed by all who had the good fortune of being in her life.
The family would like to thank Dr. Howard Bailey and the nurses at UW Carbone Cancer Center who were incredibly generous, kind and thoughtful with their care. We would also like to thank the nurses from Agrace Hospice Care for their care and compassion during the final days.
Barbara is survived by her husband Dennis, son Jeremy (Lisa Misner) and daughter Jessica (Oscar Gamez). In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the UW-Madison Carbone Cancer Center at www.uwhealth.org/our-carbone-cancer-center/our-carbone-cancer-center/main/27366 .
Services will be private, however those wishing to share their thoughts, prayers and stories are encouraged to do so at www.CressFuneralService.com