Ashley Rae Bitterman

Ashley Rae Bitterman (nee Wilkinson), age 33, of NJ, passed away on June 26, 2024 after valiantly battling esophageal cancer for almost two years. She is the beloved daughter of Roy and Cheryl Wilkinson, loving wife of Michael Bitterman, devoted mother of Emery and Adelaide Bitterman, cherished sister of Gabrielle and Roy Wilkinson (Bryanna), dear granddaughter of Robert and Joyce DiMattia and the late Roy and Mary Wilkinson, and loved niece, cousin, aunt, in-law, and friend to many.

Ashley was a driven person who changed the lives of everyone she knew. Her greatest joy in life was being a mom to her two children, followed by her passion for teaching and music. Ashley was a preschool music teacher, aftercare and summer camp supervisor, and, most recently, a classroom paraprofessional at WCK Walls Elementary. All the while, Ashley pursued a degree in education, in which she was one class away from graduating. Ashley encouraged her children and students to embrace their creativity and imagination. She led by example, teaching them that their possibilities in life are endless; to believe in themselves even when people doubt them; and that life is meant to be enjoyed, explored, and celebrated. In February 2020, the Pitman Board of Education honored Ashley with an award: “In Recognition of Outstanding Service to Our Students.” In addition to making a change, Ashley loved to dance at weddings, let her kids jump in puddles on rainy days, perform her original music at community events, strengthen her mind and body with yoga, relax on the beach and listen to the waves with her family and friends, write, and so much more. Before she was diagnosed, Ashley wrote a memoir titled Stories of a Guitar-Playing Mom, which will be self-published on Amazon by family members in the upcoming months.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her visitation on Tuesday, July 2, 2024 from 9am to 11am at Kingsway Church, 520 E. Stanger Avenue, Glassboro, NJ, where a Funeral Service will follow at 11am. Interment Manahath Cemetery, Glassboro, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, it was Ashley’s wish to have anyone who has loved or appreciated her donate what they can to establish a trust for her two young daughters. In this way, she hopes to continue to provide for her children into adulthood. Donations can be made either via Venmo (@bitterman615) or check payable to Michael Bitterman c/o Popiolek Funeral Home 400 Clements Bridge Rd, Barrington, NJ 08007. To express condolences, please visit www.njfuneralhome.net. Arrangements by POPIOLEK FUNERAL HOME, Barrington, NJ.