Barbara R. Girt

Mrs. Barbara Ruth Christensen Girt died on Thursday, October 22, 2026 in Livingston, NJ. She was 82 years old.

A Celebration of her Life will be held in the Prout Funeral Home, 370 Bloomfield Avenue, Verona, NJ on Saturday, November 14th with visiting to from 2:00 to 5:00 pm and Words of Remembrance from 3:30 - 4:30 pm.

Born in Syracuse, NY, Barbara grew up in Marcellus, NY and graduated from Marcellus High School. She earned a Bachelors of Fine Arts in music from Carnegie Institute of Technology, now Carnegie Mellon University.

Barbara had a lifelong love of music. She played bassoon with the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra and sang with the Verona Voices.

She was a member of the Children’s Music Network where she enjoyed being able to collaborate with like-minded musicians and educators. It was a place where she could share some of the many songs she had written.

She had a long career as a teacher. She began her career teaching music in the middle school in Camden, NY in the 60’s.

Barbara moved to New Jersey in 1970 and began teaching Suzuki Violin in Newark. She later expanded her teaching activities to include early childhood education, math and computer science as well as music at the Montclair Cooperative School for over 30 years.

She was predeceased by her husband, John Girt and is survived by her children, Janis Girt (Shane Lotz), Marcy Girt (Alex Cook), Robert Girt (Andrea Girt); her siblings, John Christensen, Nancy Kohlmeier, Robin Taylor, Jeffrey Christensen and her grandchildren, Violet Lotz and Willow Lotz.

From her children:
Our mom had a song for any and every occasion. She lived her life with a childlike joy and enthusiasm for learning as well as for sharing that learning with others. She was a kind and generous soul. We are grateful for the years of love and support from her – we love her and miss her tremendously.

In lieu of flowers, a donation in her name given to a charity of your choice – especially any that support the arts or education - would be greatly appreciated. Planting a tree in her name would also be appreciated.

Condolences, memories and pictures can be uploaded to her obituary page at www.ProutFuneralHome.com.