Elizabeth Barbara Hodson

Elizabeth Barbara Hodson, 91, of Pitman, New Jersey passed away peacefully on January 25, 2026. Barbara was a lifelong resident of Philadelphia before moving to Pitman where she last resided at Pitman Manor.

Barbara grew up in the Frankford section of Philadelphia. When asked about her childhood home, she always was sure to mention that they had no money and had an outhouse but they were happy. She attended John Marshal School, Harding Junior High School and Frankford High School. As a child, she attended Central Methodist Episcopal Church and later St. Lukes Reformed Episcopal Church, both in Frankford. She sang in the choir at St. Lukes and in the A Cappella Choir at Frankford High School. She had a beautiful alto voice.

After graduating high school in 1952, Barbara was hired by Bell of Pennsylvania as a Directory Assistance Operator. She saw the company through its changes to Bell Atlantic and then eventually to Verizon. She retired in February 1999.

Barbara spent most of her life caring for others. She took care of her parents, especially in their elder years and was a second mother to her nieces and nephews. Barbara was also an animal lover who had many pets, especially dogs, throughout her life. She loved feeding the birds and squirrels and taking care of her garden and plants. She was often found outside sweeping up the neighborhood leaves or walking to the corner store. Barbara also enjoyed watching mysteries and playing games with her nieces and nephews. She was also skillful at drawing, sewing, knitting and embroidery. In her later years, she enjoyed doing jigsaw puzzles and word searches.

Barbara was predeceased by her parents George T. and Elizabeth E. (nee Barr) Hodson, her infant brother George T. Hodson, Jr., her brother Harry A. Hodson and her nephew Raymond S. Hodson. She is survived by her nieces and nephews Dawn, Bill and Katherine Ritzler of Pitman, Scott Hodson of Philadelphia, Michele, John, Kiersten and Christopher Looby of Philadelphia, Tova and Justin Peralta of Drums, PA and Nathan and Briana Hodson of Bristol, PA who have many fond and loving memories of her and will miss her greatly.

The family would like to thank the staff, nurses and residents of Pitman Manor for their loving care and friendship during the last several years. They would also like to thank Suncrest Hospice Services for their help and guidance.

A graveside service will be held in the spring at the Oakland Cemetery in Philadelphia under the direction of DAVIS & WAGNER FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES 171 Delaware St. Woodbury, NJ.

Memorial contributions in Barbara’s memory may be made to your favorite animal rescue or wildlife rehabilitation charity or to the United Methodist Communities Foundation at https://supportumcf.org/giving/ Memories and condolences may be shared online at daviswagner.com