Barbara Bisk

BISK, Barbara Elizabeth, 71, of Tampa, passed away on November 27, 2011 at home, surrounded by her loving family, following a courageous battle with cancer. She was a woman who walked with grace and dignity and was loved by all who knew her. She had a huge heart with true compassion for people and always showed her sweet smile. She had a love for life and lived each day to the fullest.

She was born in Kearny, NJ on November 20, 1940 to the late Edward and Junia Engelhard. She later moved to Pennsylvania with her family and graduated with honors from North Penn High School in Lansdale, PA.

Mrs. Bisk then graduated from Penn State University with a B.S. in Education. She moved to New York City in 1962 to teach and obtain her M.S. in Education from Hunter College. Shortly thereafter, she met the love of her life, Nathan Bisk and they were married in 1967 in Doylestown, PA. Barbara and Nathan then moved to Chatham, NJ where Barbara continued her teaching career in nearby Summit, NJ until the birth of their son, Michael.

In 1971, the family moved to Gainesville, FL so that Nathan could obtain his J.D. Degree from The University of Florida. While Nathan completed his studies, Barbara continued her teaching career in Alachua, Florida. She was honored at that time by being selected as an Outstanding Elementary School Teacher of America. She was the first recipient of this Award in Alachua history. In 1972, the Bisk Family welcomed a new addition, daughter Alison. Barbara then retired from teaching and focused her full time on her family.

In 1987, the family moved to Tampa. In Tampa, Barbara pursued her long ambition of opening an antique store, The Bisque Butterfly and she became a leading antique dealer in the Tampa Bay Area. In addition, she served as Corporate Secretary and a member of the Board of Directors of Bisk Education, Inc. She was an active member of Congregation Rodeph Sholom and was very involved in numerous charitable organizations in Tampa Bay.

Mrs. Bisk was a descendant of a distinguished Colonial Family. Her American ancestors included members who served in the Revolutionary Army and the American Civil War. She had been a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

She is survived by her husband of 44 years, Nathan; son Michael; daughter and son in law, Alison Bisk and Brian Turkel; grandchildren Robert and Erin. She is also survived by her sisters Marjorie Moody (James) and Priscilla Wille. She is further survived by sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Irene and Marshall Weinerman; many nephews and nieces; grand nephews, grand nieces and many close friends.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am, Wednesday, November 30, 2011 at Congregation Rodeph Sholom, 2713 Bayshore Boulevard, Tampa, Florida. Burial service will follow at Gan Shalom Cemetery, 3527 County Line Road, Lutz, Florida.

In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Goodwill Industries, The Salvation Army, The American Cancer Society and Tampa Jewish Family Services.