Morris - MORRIS - Galina Whitman, 75, made her transition Saturday, Jan. 6, 2024, at Chestnut Park Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Oneonta, with her heartbroken husband and son at her bedside. She had been a resident there for two weeks and while there, she received incredibly compassionate care. Our heartfelt thanks and gratitude go out to the entire staff.

Galina was born in Germany on May 14, 1948, a daughter of the late Alexandar and Fenia (Leonowski) Szczepkowski.

In the early 1950s, she sailed to America with her entire family, was processed through Ellis Island and settled in Manhattan. A few years later they moved to Davenport Center.

Galina attended and graduated from Charlotte Valley Central School in 1966. She was also a graduate of Grace Downs Secretarial School in New York City.

In 1976, she began employment with Wilber National Bank.

On Aug. 12, 1978, she married the love of her life John Whitman in Morris.

She served in several capacities at Wilber National Bank, including branch manager in several locations and finished her 43-year career as senior customer service representative, retiring in 2019.

Galina was a certified reiki master in the Usui system of natural healing, having trained under Reiki Master Ellen Sokolow. Galina was also a Buddhist practitioner and attended Padma Sambe Ling in Trout Creek.

Galina loved her family, her home, and her friends. She was a warm, wonderful person, as beautiful on the inside as she was on the outside. She was strong-willed and always had a positive attitude. Her smile would light up a room.

Galina leaves behind her husband, John C. Whitman; and son, Richard G. Barbieri of Morris. She also leaves a stepson, Geoffrey J. Whitman (Jemina) of Napa, California; and her two beloved cats, Luna and Skye.

Galina was much loved and will be terribly missed by all.

A Buddhist ceremony will take place at Hillington Crematory, 106 Card Road, Morris, at 9 a.m., Friday, Jan. 12. Cremation will follow immediately after the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Galina's memory may be made to the Susquehanna SPCA, 5088 State Highway 28, Cooperstown, NY 13326.

Her family has entrusted her care to the Johnston & Stanimer Funeral Home in Morris.

Share online condolences at www.JohnstonFH.com.