Irit Gat, Ph.D. 25 November 1966 - 11 August 2020
It is with deepest sorrow that the family of Dr. Irit Gat announce her untimely passing on Tuesday, August 11 at the age of 53.
Born in Juelich, Germany in 1966, Irit was the second child of a family of first-generation immigrants to the U.S. in 1969. Irit earned a B.A. in Psychology from Emory University in Atlanta, a masters degree from the University of Colorado, and a Ph.D. from the University of Nebraska in 2000. She did post-doctoral work for NASA at Edwards Air Force Base in Lancaster, California and was licensed to practice clinical psychology by the State of California in 2003. The bulk of her career was as a teacher and academic administrator at Antelope Valley Junior College in Lancaster, California. Starting as a professor of psychology, she rose to become chair of her department, president of the academic senate, and most recently Dean of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Child and Family Education. She died at home following an illness.
Irit had a unique ability to get along with everyone and had recently become engaged to her partner of nine years, Robert Hoffmann. Her life was cut short before its time, but in the end she accomplished the most important thing a person can aspire to: being remembered by many who all loved her bright personality, humor, kindness, and enthusiasm.
Irit is survived by her parents, her fiancée, older brother, his wife, and two cats on whom she doted. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made in Irit's name to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, ASPCA, 424 East 92 Street, New York, NY 10128.
We invite those who knew her to leave their thoughts in the comments section for posterity. There is also a commemorative slide show. Turn on your sound and have a tissue handy.
Ron,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for writing this.
Love,
Bob
Rest peacefully, Irit.
ReplyDeleteIrit was one of the happiest, funniest, most loving people I have ever worked with. Her wit and intelligence will be sorely missed. My heartfelt condolences to her family and fiance.
ReplyDeleteIrit was an amazing person. She had the ability to make people feel important. She was patient, kind, approachable and collaborative. I worked with her in her many roles at AVC. She and I co-chaired budget committee where she was instrumental in improving campus communication on how resources are allocated. She brought online education resources to our campus. I loved hearing about her trips to Switzerland and she would always share Belguim chocolates. She would visit my office regularly and we would talk about life in general. She was a light to those around her. I will miss her terribly. My condolences to her loved ones. She was a very special person.
ReplyDeleteIrit was a breath of fresh air. I would visit her in the division office and she could hear me from the lobby say "Is the doc in?" We would chat and laugh about lots of stuff. I'll miss popping in to see how she's doing and chat about whatever was the topic of the day.
ReplyDeleteIt listed me as unknown - Duane Rumsey
DeleteIrit was the kindest, friendliest and selfless person I’ve ever met. RIP! Chuck
ReplyDeleteI knew Irit for long time already. She was down to earth person. Our last communication was on August 5th, W. I asked a question to everybody, and she answered me. In that moment I fixed something in my main. I am not sure why, but I felt very sad. I am very sorry. It's so sad.
ReplyDeleteI have only now come to bring myself to provide a sentiment about Dr. Gat. I have been deeply impacted by her passing. At the first opportunity in working directly together at AVC on an important issue, albeit over the phone, she made it a point to say some of the most inspirational and welcoming words to me that one can hear. I truly needed that at that moment, and I found it amazing that what she said was so poignant, like she knew me intricately and sensed my inner feelings. After that, in her 'right on time' kinda way, she continued to provide me with true support with not only words, but notes and candy (which I have on my desk at this moment and cannot bring myself to part with).
ReplyDeleteI will always admire the way she tempered tough thoughts, comments and questions with candor and style. She inspired me to do the same, although I can only aspire to do it in as eloquent of a manner as she did with such effortlessness. I felt a kinship with her because we are very much alike, such that we would rather agree, compliment, build others up, share ideas, find solutions and seek input. Thank you Irit for showing me how it is done and for caring enough to be so forthcoming with a message of hope, concern, support and trust.
I have recently been researching an in-depth and innovative project for the campus community and the minute I thought of its potential for positive change I reached out to Irit to ask if she could provide insight and support. Without hesitation she jumped at the chance to participate, all while making me feel like she would only do it if I was comfortable taking the credit for the idea.....never seeking attention for her willingness to be the catalyst for the project or the owner of the ideal outcomes.
I have lost what I hoped to be a true mentor and I can only hurt even more for all of those who have expressed their own sadness and loss, including her beloved family, who like her could not be any more caring and concerned for others. Always conveying their gratitude to the AVC community and for all who loved her so dearly.
I will now choose to move on in her honor, allowing her legacy to inspire me every step of the way remembering to remain eternally grateful for the short time I was able to interact with her.
Fly free Irit, may you find the peace you so easily gave to so many on your journey......
It is said that there are angels on earth.
ReplyDeleteIndeed, Irit was an angel on this earth.
How blessed are we to have been touched by her graciousness and love. Godspeed My Friend.
Rest in Paradise my sweet Irit! Thank you for sharing your lovely memories and I hope you find the strength to carry you through. My thoughts and prayers are with all who loved her.
ReplyDeleteIrit brought great warmth as well as knowledge to those of us that worked with her. I always enjoyed speaking with her and working together to help our students. She had a fantastic smile and she was someone with whom I felt instantly comfortable the very first time I met her. She will be greatly missed by all. My deepest condolences to her family.
ReplyDelete-John Wanko
Irit brought sunshine into everyone with whom she came into contact. Thanks to her brother for sharing this commemorative presentation. Her beauty and warmth are apparent in every photo. Antelope Valley College is greatly grieving her absence, though I suspect she is now our guardian angel.
ReplyDeleteTo Irit's Family and to Bob,
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely slide show. I miss her so much. We met when I started teaching at AVC about 13 years ago, Scott Memmer "set us up," he said we needed to be friends. We share a similar family heritage, and I always wanted to meet you all. I don't recall becoming her friend, we just were - it was instant. As she did with so many others, she made me feel special and cared for. Through relationship turmoil, she counseled me. Through career decisions, she supported me. She even nominated me for the prestigious Scholar in Residence Award that I had the honor of receiving in 2016. I just loved seeing her any time, and I especially loved seeing her with her dear Bob. The love she gave you Bob, well, it was radiant and it was unabashed. She adored you and told me this every time we talked. She would say, "Tina, I just love that man!" I know how much she loved her parents and brother too, as she said told me often and I thought how lucky she was to have such a warm and loving family.
Once, I needed to give a presentation to the whole faculty on something that is normally kind of boring, so to spice it up, I asked Irit if she would join me in dancing in the aisles to an Elvis Costello song called "Pump It Up," to get everyone excited and happy. Of course she said "Sure!" The music started on cue, with no one suspecting, the two of us rose from the audience and grabbed people into the aisles and a full on dance party ensued. I got so into it, I was completely out of breath and couldn't even speak when it was time for me to start the presentation. I looked at Irit, and she simply picked it up and said everything I was supposed to say until I caught my breath. She had my back, she had everyone's back, and she was there for her family, her fiance, her colleagues, her students, her community.
I am a better person and a better teacher because she was my friend. I have told my students on the first day of this new semester, that I am dedicating every class that I teach to her. I told them about her. Some of them were her students too. Irit's reach was far and wide, and I know it will continue to be as she rests in peace and in our hearts forever and ever.
I started working at the college in the Fall semester of 2009 as a student worker with Corporate and Community Services. I came to know Dr. Gatt when she was working in the BE building and I was struck right away at her professionalism, kind glowing approachability and encouraging and supporting attitude towards students and staff. She was always very genuinely attentive and helpful in advising students during on campus events or just passing someone in the hallway. Irit was a bright light in a very new work environment and made me feel at home. I learned a lot from Irit about the college's history, its policies and procedures which greatly helped my ability to help our students in a variety of ways. Irit lit up the room everywhere she went.
ReplyDeleteIt was truly a gift to have known her and watched her work so passionately for our community and our students. She was a very warm and caring and truly inspiring person who always took a few minutes to help me with a question or just catch up. She was one of my favorite people to work with during my time here at the college, she is loved and she will be greatly missed.
She was a wonderful person. One of the first people I met when I came to AVC as she sat on my hiring committee.
ReplyDeleteSee will be missed.
We will miss you, Irit.
ReplyDeleteMy name is Barbara Frazier and I met Irit only a year and a half ago. Since the first day, she was warm and welcoming. Every time that I saw her or communicated with her she was sweet and she helped me navigate through the Double Up program. She always answered me even if it was to say “I don’t know but I’ll find out!” I’m so glad that I had the pleasure of meeting her and she will be so missed. She was an amazing spirit and the world is missing an angel. Rest In Peace Irit! Heaven has gained a beautiful angel.
ReplyDeleteIrit was a gift to all of us. She made us feel important, successful, and loved. I met Irit when she started at AVC, and I've never met anyone else like her. She would immediately ask how I was and then she would spend time telling me how wonderful she thought I was. No one was ever sad around Irit because she could make you smile simply by believing in you with her whole heart.
ReplyDeleteRecently, Irit and I spoke often because we both have been struggling with health issues. Irit would call me to check up on me and let me know what she found out from her doctor in case it would help me. That is a perfect example of who Irit was--someone who wanted to help others at all times.
I will miss her like crazy.
Irit was one of the kindest people I've ever met. She never failed to smile and make others feel welcomed. Her genuine interest in others was a reminder to slow down and focus on the human connection.
ReplyDeleteShe had a great sense of humor and her emojis were over the top. They always made me chuckle.
It's hard to believe I'll never her hear say, "Hi beautiful," again. Side note, everyone was "beautiful," and she had a way of making you believe it.
She never took herself too seriously or others for granted. She was beautiful and I will miss her.
I did not know Dr. Gat very well as I did not have a chance to work with her. However, I'd like to share my experience and my first semester at AVC. As a newbie and an adjunct, it was hard for me to navigate a few things. For some reason, I accidentally clicked on her name and emailed her thinking that she was in charge of voicemail instructions. Instead of just forwarding the email to the person in charge, Dr. Gat wrote me back and kindly and patiently tried to get to the bottom of the issue for me. She got me in touch with someone who could help, made sure that my extension and voicemail was working, and asked me how I was doing. She could have just left it then and there but she didn't. She was so kind and so helpful and that experience was on my firsts here at AVC. I remember thinking that this person was so amazing and I apologized for wasting her time but she never saw it like that. She was so kind, so loving, and really made sure that everyone (staff, adjunct, and full time) felt welcome and safe. We will miss you, Dr. Gat. Thank you for making me feel welcome here at AVC.
ReplyDeleteI had the privilege of Dr. Irit Gat’s friendship and expertise for 15 years during which time she touched the lives of many of our mutual patients. Her knowledge of clinical psychology was second to none and was always meshed with personal narratives and a sense of clarity and sensitivity. Her caring and loving nature were unique. Her grace and kind personality were always a beacon of hope for all of us.
ReplyDeleteA light has gone out but her legacy will live on in all who had the honor of knowing her. I am forever indebted to her for all that she did for all of us and our community, and for her generosity of spirit. We will miss her terribly. May her memory be a blessing to all and may we continue to strive and follow her lead in our personal lives. May she be at peace in heaven and continue to shine.
With all our condolences and Love to her family and friends. With immense Love and sense of loss, Dr. John Yadegar and our entire team.
Over the years I joined my Mom in many of her work adventures. Our days were spent driving to new places, visiting offices, meeting new people. I have a sort of mental collection of women my Mom worked with - I was blessed that a few became more than just her “coworkers” and were then added to people I love - but then there was Dr. Gat.
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I can hear the sound of her voice as I write this, and I’m glad that so many people who got to experience the joy of knowing her understand exactly what comfort that brings right now. She was the epitome of kindness. We shared laughs and tears together, but thankfully many more giggles.
The last time I saw her she came to visit us here in NYC. It was early on when the journey felt a bit hopeless - she felt it. She just knew, she always did, so she asked. After hearing of our trials came the calmest yet somehow excited response of “so how are you going to do it? How are you going to make it happen? Because I know you two are going to do it. I just know it!’
And know it she did. She believed in us so much, and I believed her...because I believed IN her. She has left the perfect Dr. Gat-size hole in my heart for the time being, but one I know will be filled by the beautiful memories and wisdom that shall be sent my way directly from her front seat up in heaven.
I know these last few months have been filled with so much loss for so many. I too am now grieving and trying to make sense of it all. I find myself left with the repeating question of...What Would Dr. Gat Want Me To Do? And there I will go. Tell your people you love them. Irit, thank you for loving me and my Mom so much. Till we meet again.
Oh my goodness, after watching the video and reading the comments, Irit was loved tremendously. I met Irit once, very briefly, and remember how nice she was. To her family, fiancé and colleagues, the pain will lessen, though never go away but the memories will always be there. If you need a home for her kitties, let me know.
ReplyDeleteDear second cousin (which should have been first in our humungous family) – so sorry we were geographically always so far apart, we’re so close in age, I’m sure we would have been friends (I would have donated to a society for the prevention of cruelty to animals as well ☺)
ReplyDeleteThis is Gili Adler Nevo
DeleteDarling niece, our memories of you are as a baby, sporadic as an adult, but we closely followed your path, as told by your parents, and love you all dearly. With you always in spirit, Ilana & Dan
ReplyDeleteIrit - I love and miss you so much. I first met Dr. Gat as I decided to go to college after the death of my husband to suicide and she was my first professor of my first college class ever at 8:00am in the Spring of 2002 - Psychology 101. She made me love psychology and for a long time I wanted to be an advocate for suicide survivors. I later decided against it because I had been given such a wonderful outlet to deal with my loss through my education and she was a rock and confidant for me. It wasn't until after I graduated from AVC that we were able to truly embrace the friendship we had started. She never sat still...lol...always on the go and always able to put a smile on your face. She and I were each other's cheerleaders always. I will forever miss being able to talk to her about anything and everything from colonoscopy's to love. I had never met anyone so in love with life as she and when Bob came into her life she blossomed even more beautifully. Irit's parents are the most amazing people and she loved them beyond words. There will never be a time that I don't walk into the Whole Wheatery, Trader Joe's, or Starbucks that she won't be there with me. The world needs more Irits' and I am so blessed to have had the original. God Speed my sweet friend.
ReplyDeleteOur loved Irit, I first met Irit about two years ago when she dropped into Michael's Wellness center. Several months later we had no idea how blessed her presents in our business and personal life was going to touch and change our life! Working together with Irit as a t.e.a.m. to further her health and Wellness protocols we were making great strides in her exercise program, it was amazing! Not only were these health protocols made but our friendship developed and that was wonderful to learn more about her and I. Truly Irit is one of the most kindness and loving person that I have ever met! Her personality was always a glow when we talked, always encouraging me in my own personal workouts and goals! One of the many things that I I will remember about Irit is her authentic being! I will miss her, our talks, our workouts and the much joy she brought into our life, missing you dearly Irit, rest in peace my friend!
ReplyDeleteWe feel so fortunate to have known Irit since her school years in Oak Ridge. We always looked forward to occasionally meeting her so we could enjoy her amazingly friendly and accepting personality when she came home to visit her parents. Irit was an exceptionally interested listener and shared some of her wisdom and joy with us. Last but not least - Irit's smile was like a magic wand always lifting our spirits. We thank Ruthi and Uri so much for inviting us to enjoy the precious times of her home-visits with us. Irit has a special affectionate place in our hearts.
ReplyDeleteMoshe & Ilana Aug. 25, 2020
What a beautiful memorial and video to honor Irit. Thanks for putting it together and sharing the opportunity for so many to reflect and share their thoughts. I only had the opportunity to see and spend time with Irit when we both just happened to be 'home' visiting our parents in TN together. I have fond memories of our conversations and indeed, enjoyed the light yet in depth topics we could manage to share during those short times. I am so very fond of her parents and hope that all these wonderful collections of memories and words about their precious daughter will help her live on in their hearts. With love,
ReplyDeleteMerav August 28, 2020
It is with deep sadness that I learned of the passing of Irit this past week. As her former Dean it was my privilege to have worked with her as a faculty member, a colleague, and a friend. I evaluated her in the classroom many times and she was loved by her students. She was always upbeat and full of examples regarding her subject, and her student evaluations always indicated that she was excellent. She had a wonderful working relation with all faculty in the division. Our division was, and is, an extended family and when she made the decision to move into administration she indicated she wanted my position. She worked with me many long hours on campus structure, administration, decision making, and negotiation. She would always bring photos of the family when she returned to campus after holidays. I continually received updates and pictures of the cats. We had great conversations and her efforts were rewarded. When I retired she applied and obtained my former job. I will always remember her smile, her kindness to all, and her enthusiasm for life. My thoughts are with you.
ReplyDeleteIn deepest sympathy,
Tom O’Neil
Retired Dean Antelope Valley College
I'm writing today to express my condolences for your loss. Dr. Gat was a friend, confidant, and mentor to me. I know she served this role for many, but she always made you feel as if you were important and she cared for you. If you asked for help or advice, she never made you aware of how busy or overwhelmed she was, she took the time to listen and provide solid advice. She took the time to support and guide me through some rough patches recently. I am better for having known her, and I want to thank you for sharing her with us all. I will miss her and our Coffee Bean get togethers with friends.
ReplyDeleteGod Bless,
Mary Jacobs, RNC, MSN/ED
I just heard of Irit's passing last night. I am shocked and devastated. Irit and I were good friends at Oak Ridge High School and beyond. We lost touch and then reconnected about a year ago and it was as if no time had passed. I felt so blessed to have this deep connection rekindled. I imagine Irit was a good friend to many and gave the gift of letting people feel known. She lived generously, sharing herself and the presence and depth of her energy with every moment. Her lively spirit and humor and intelligence filled candor was ever vibrant even during this challenging year in our world. I am sorry I didn't get to meet Bob. I so enjoyed hearing her speak her fiance's name as she always said it with such love in her voice. She was very happy the last I spoke to her in July and was looking forward a holiday celebration. I will miss her deeply and know she will be missed by many. Please accept my deepest condolences. Rest in peace dearest Irit. I love you, Susan Crawford
ReplyDeleteI first met Irit a few years ago as our work on dual enrollment converged. We kept in touch around issues of high schoolers taking college courses, we would have questions for each other or she would share some innovation from AVC. She was a featured speaker last spring in one of the problem solving webinars that we produced for dual enrollment practitioners across the state.
ReplyDeleteAnd while I regret not knowing her in a more personal capacity, as a colleague she was so full of energy and excitement and hope. Her optimism touched everyone lucky enough to work with her. She will be sorely missed.
Irit was lovely. Simply so. In every sense of the word. She was a confidant, mentor, and ally. I have no words for how heartbroken I was to find out that she has passed. And I still have trouble discussing it (hence my delayed post). But, I do know she made me want to be like her. And that... is something I've rarely found in another person. I wish more people, and women were like her. She'd bring the sun with her into every room. Myself, and my colleagues, will definitely miss that.
ReplyDeleteTo her family, I'm so sorry for your loss. And though there are no words appropriate for this... I hope you know that she was adored and very much loved amongst our wee campus community.
I found this post only today - August 11, 2021. It is a bittersweet day today - it is my 31st wedding anniversary today so celebration but also a day of grief as I remember my childhood friend and sister, Irit. Irit was my bridesmaid and maid of honor on my wedding day. She later became my daughter's godmother. There are many miles between CA and TN, but she and I were connected through time and space. We had talked in the early days of Covid, as things were beginning to shut down, and there were many unknowns. We talked about whether we could find a way to see each other safely. Your tribute is beautiful and loving. She did have the greatest talent to get along with everyone. I counted myself lucky to be in her circle. May continued peace be with you and your family. Holding your parents close in my heart. - Pamela B
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