Mary Louise (Izzo) Bartolomei, formerly of Franklin, MA. died peacefully Sunday April 15, 2018 at her home at Sunrise Senior Living in Basking Ridge, New Jersey. She was the cherished wife of Alemanno “Bart” Bartolomei.
Mary was born on November 7, 1924 in Utica, New York, daughter of the late Rocco and Rose (Barella) Izzo. She graduated magna cum laude from Thomas R. Proctor High School, Utica, NY in 1942.
Subsequently, she worked as a secretary at Griffiss Air Force Base, Rome, NY, where she met her lifelong companion and husband, “Bart” of 56 years.
After Bart and Mary married they moved to Franklin, MA where they raised five children together.
Mary spent many wonderful years reading to her children when they were small and taught them the love of learning. She also taught them how to cook and bake – especially apple pie. Mary also became a serious sports fan and supporter for her sons and for Dad. She always put her children and her husband first. The blessings of grandchildren and great grandchildren continued to give her great joy and love.
Mary loved to dance with “Bart” and have family sing-alongs at the piano. She also loved a good card game. She loved flowers and enjoyed bird watching and always had a bird feeder by her window.
In addition to raising her children Mary worked as a secretary for Clark Cutler McDermott in Franklin for many years.
Mary is survived by her daughters, Donna and her husband Manfred Konrad, Mary and her husband Thomas Ritchey, Janet and her husband Col. (USA, Ret.) Charles Bonney and her sons, Jeffrey Bartolomei and his wife Elizabeth and Gordon Bartolomei and his wife Khanh.
Mary’s legacy also includes nine grandchildren – Michael, Annie, Maryrose, Karen, David, Chris, Julie, Gregory and Anthony and six great grandchildren Raphael, Sara, Abigail, Cameron, Alexandrea and Joseph.
She was the sister of the late Nellie Izzo and the late Modesta Izzo.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend her wake at Charles F. Oteri and Son Franklin Funeral Home, 33 Cottage St. Franklin, MA. on Friday April 20th 4pm-9pm.
Her funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, where she was a communicant for many years, at 10am Saturday, April 21st. Interment at St Mary’s Cemetery will follow after her Mass.
