Gail E. Ritter

October 7, 1948 - March 23, 2022

Gail E. Ritter was born in Philadelphia on October 7th, 1948, where she lived for many years with her father Charles, mother Elizabeth and sisters Deborah and Elizabeth. She was baptized and confirmed at St. James Lutheran Church and actively participated in church life from youth groups, through various church committees and as President of church council. Gail graduated from Philadelphia High School for Girls and went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from the University of Pennsylvania in 1969, a Master’s degree in secondary education from Pennsylvania State University in 1971 and a Juris Doctorate from California Western School of Law in San Diego in 1983. Gail began her teaching career in Philadelphia inner city schools and then in Willingboro, New Jersey. She was a dedicated natural teacher who loved her students and who was in turn loved and respected by students and faculty alike. Upon completing her legal degree and passing the state bar exams in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey, Gail returned to practice law, first in Philadelphia, and then for many years in private practice in New Jersey. Gail was active in the Pinelands Garden Club, which she very much enjoyed. She also worked with the Pinelands Preservation Alliance from whom she received an award for helping to preserve “cow point” in Medford as open space. Gail also showed great love and devotion to her family and among other things, cared for her nephews each summer and her parents and cousin Elsie in their later years. Gail still had time for her love of nature and the great outdoors. Her activities ranged from family summers on Neshaminy Creek, Fishing Creek and Lake Winnipesaukee, to president of the Outing Club at the University of Pennsylvania, to camping, hiking, canoeing, and sailing all across the country to gardening in her own backyard. Gail also enjoyed seeing the world and traveled through Russia, Europe, the Caribbean, Mexico, and all fifty states. Gail also loved music, both instrumental and vocal. She played flute and piano with her family, flute in the Girls High School band, sang with the Penn Singers at the University of Pennsylvania and enjoyed concerts and listing to music. Gail- daughter, sister, aunt, teacher, lawyer, traveler, and friend. Lover of nature, music, history, family and all that God created. Now safe in God’s loving arms, yet still missed by us all. An amazing woman. An amazing life. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Mathis Funeral Home in Medford, NJ. Condolences may be left for the family at www.mathisfuneralhome.com.