PROJECT / DOERS / 07-memoriam_bWP.htm
1: S. Abdel Ghafour, October 2023

Pritzkat, Barbara Ruth Wynn (1926 – 2023)

Click on the picture above to open the staff profile page on MZ Sitewide

Memories
Barbara's friends
James L. Walker
Mary T. Stancavage
Obituary
Celebration of life

Memories


Barbara Pritzkat Tell Mozan, Syria, 1992.	Barbara with her trusted assistant, Adib Juma, Tell Mozan, Syria.	Barbara Pritzkat Tell Mozan, Syria.

Barbara, second row, fifth from left Tell Mozan, Syria, 1992.	Barbara's study room, California, USA.	Barbara, first row, right Tell Mozan, Syria, 2008.

Barbara Pritzkat, Tell Mozan, Syria.	Barbara Pritzkat, Tell Mozan, Syria.	Barbara Pritzkat, Tell Mozan, Syria.

Barbara reigned as queen for a day, west bathroom party, Tell Mozan, Syria, 2007. Photo by James Walker.	Barbara and Mary Tell Mozan, Syria, 2004. Photo by Mary Stancavage.	Barbara and Bill Aliens, Tell Mozan, Syria, 2008. Photo by James Walker.

Barbara Pritzkat,Tell Mozan, Syria, 2008. Photo by James Walker.	Barbara Pritzkat,Tell Mozan, Syria, 2004. Photo by Mary Stancavage.	Barbara Pritzkat,Tell Mozan, Syria, 2004. Photo by Mary Stancavage.

Barbara's friends

James L. Walker

     Barbara, a post-WWII graduate of UCLA, became involved in archaeology after raising her children. She worked at Terqa and, after training, joined the Tell Mozan staff as the surveyor. Using a total station, a hand calculator, and plotting paper, she surveyed over 6,000 reference points during her career. At the close, she trained a local workman as a surveyor.

     Among her many contributions to the social life at Mozan, she oversaw the west bathroom. Once each season, she organized a formal party for those who used it and reigned as queen for a day.

     Barbara brought a number of amenities to Mozan and could often be seen in the twilight hours before dinner reading a classic novel and sharing a cocktail with other notable staff members.

Mary T. Stancavage

     I first met Barbara in 1983 when she arrived in Terqa as an apprentice surveyor. From the outset, she was professional in every aspect of the position, from her work ethic to her bright neon orange vest. Barbara was there to be the best she could be in supporting the excavations. Fast forward many years and we worked together again for several seasons in Urkesh. She remained the utmost professional in setting up our grids and getting us our all-important relays, and always in that bright neon vest.

     But when the workday was over, and the vest was hung up, Barbara was a delight in so many ways. She would read the Seven Pillars of Wisdom by T.E. Lawrence and trace his route on a big map on her desk. She would organize sophisticated tea parties for those who used the West Bathroom. We drank tea and ate biscuits and dressed in all our finery. Barbara and I shared a room one short season when we were overrun by mice. It was unpleasant to say the least, but we survived and even thrived.

     Barbara’s sense of humor was wise and literate and very, very funny. She was generous with her time yet did not suffer fools gladly. Barbara was a true gem and an essential part of the excavations at Tell Mozan. I will miss Barbara, but I only have to close my eyes to see her and her wonderful neon orange vest. Deeps bows, dear friend.

Obituary

Here is a link with the notice of Barbara's obituary.

Back to top

Celebration of life

     On February 10, 2024 in Los Angeles, there was a Celebration of Life for our dear friend and colleague Barbara Pritzkat.
     Friends and family from all over gathered to share stories, photos and good food. It also served as a mini reunion of Mozan staff who had worked with Barbara over the years.
     Along with Giorgio Buccellati and Marilyn Kelly-Buccellati, was Stephen Hughey who was site surveyor in the very first seasons at Mozan and who Barbara succeeded in this role. Also present were Mozanians Fan-Xi Xu, Laura Ramos and Mary Stancavage.
     Drs. Amanda and Jerry Podany were also present; they worked with Barbara at Terqa (as did Steve and Mary).
     Although we certainly miss Barbara, we were happy to celebrate such an extraordinary individual and good friend.

Stephen, Mary, Laura, Marilyn, Giorgio

Fan-Xi Xu and Stephen Hughey