On Feb. 28, 2015, a true angel on Earth was called to heaven as Barbara Tuttle left our world for a new journey. Known to many as “Talk to Tuttle” and “BT,” she spent 71 amazing years touching countless people in wonderful ways.
BT served as a full-time real estate consultant for 29 years — a quarter century of hard work. Her dedication and enthusiasm for what she loved to do brought fine results and a reputation she was very proud to have. She helped hundreds of homeowners fulfill their dreams, and in the process, her list of new friends was evergrowing. She kept in touch with the “Tuttle Talk” newsletter, which we all enjoyed receiving.
She was an active member of the Rotary Club and was proud to have been the first woman into the Matawan Rotary in 1990. The GFWC Women’s Club, church and community provided a sense of fulfillment and a sense of giving back throughout the years. She would make a point to enjoy a walk on the beach, watch the sunrise and share some home cooking with a neighbor or two.
Born in Jersey City, she was a New Jersey native, living in Middlesex, Monmouth and Ocean counties throughout her lifetime. Her family, gardening, painting and volunteering filled her days.
She is survived by daughters, Donna Tuttle Sellmann and Sandy Tuttle; sons-inlaw, Dan Sellmann and Kip McManus; grandchildren, Samantha Eve and Trevor Daniel Sellmann; and sister Kathryn Mienert Edmonds.
She was a whimsical woman who instilled her sense of adventure, compassion, creativity and love into her family and friends. She never took a moment for granted and would “Live, Love, Laugh” each and every day.
A celebration of her beautiful life took place on March 7 at the First Presbyterian Church of Matawan.
In lieu of flowers, consider honoring BT’s memory by supporting her areas of passion as they touch children through the love of nature, art and service.
Ways to support programs close to her heart are available at dignitymemorial.com/ michael-hegarty-funeral-home. Support a scholarship fund for students involved in the Matawan Regional High School Rotary Interact Club. Contribute toward the annual Kids’ Fishing Tournament by the Jersey Coast Shark Anglers Club. Donate to the Children’s Art Therapy Program at Riverview Medical Center.