DUDLEY - An incredible person has moved on. Impressive, determined and sometimes incorrigible . . . Barbara Bartolomei has left an indelible impression on the world and the people who have been fortunate to love her and be loved by her. There has never been, nor will there ever be, another Babsie.
Born Barbara Jean McAvoy, Babs was the second youngest of 13 children. Babs was born October 1, 1933 in the midst of the Great Depression. She lost both her parents (Frederick and Eva) before her 3rd birthday, creating an impenetrable bond amongst her sisters. It was in this crucible that the person we know as Babsie was forged.
Babs recently encountered an elementary school classmate who made sure we all knew that Babs was “an impressive seven year old who walked two miles to school every morning”. She had a keen intellect, a dogged work ethic, and an indomitable spirit. She graduated high school at the top of her class.
In 1952, she married Charles Bartolomei, and soon thereafter, became a mother. All of her children (Charlie, Nancy, Jane, John and Thomas) were held to a very high standard. Babsie not only "talked the talk", she "walked the walk”. Shortly after her fourth child was born, Babs enrolled in Worcester State College with her beloved niece Linda. She earned her degree while raising her children and running a very “tight ship”.
In 1970, she began her career as a teacher. From her very first year at St. Louis Academy to her final year (1993) at Shepherd Hill, Barbara was a phenomenal teacher. There was never any doubt that she knew her material, was expert at imparting it, cared deeply about her students and . . . she was in charge.
Babs retired in 1993 and led a very full life in retirement. She traveled around the country (and to South Africa) to visit her children and seven grandchildren (Jesse, Erin, Melissa, Heather, Kate, Christopher and Andrew). Babs was also blessed with 5 very spirited great grandchildren (Teddy, Maverick, Ellie, Mia, and Maya)
Babs is survived by her loving husband of 63 years, Charles Bartolomei, her incredibly loyal brothers-in-law and sister (Chris "Kiki" Bartolomei, Patrick and Tess Sweeney). She was loved by many including her son-in-law (Fran) and daughters-in-law (Debbie, Liz and Lynn), her tight web of sisters, and a "village" of nephews and nieces.
Babs will never be forgotten.
In lieu of flowers, please feel free to donate to the Barbara J. Bartolomei Scholarship fund at Dudley Charlton Regional School District. Checks can be made out to DCRSD-Barbara J. Bartolomei Scholarship Fund and sent to 68 Dudley Oxford Road, Dudley MA 01571.
There will be no funeral services held. A private family celebration will be held a later date.
Arrangements are under the direction of Sitkowski & Malboeuf Funeral Home, 340 School Street, Webster.