Barbara J. Bartley, age 55, of 2521 2nd Avenue South in Escanaba passed away on November 28, 2010 at home with her family following a lengthy illness.
Barbara was born at Fort Devens, Massachussets on September 15, 1955 to Major Neil and Rose (Sudac) Bartley. Her father took her to Africa, Europe, Israel and other foreign countries as well as several areas in the United States because of his military career. She graduated from Escanaba High School in 1974. She was employed by the Daily Press as a photographer and by the St. Francis Hospital working in medical records. Barb loved her cousins and friends and her dogs. Her hobbies were watching movies, making jewelry and taking care of her Pug dogs.
Special thanks to the Greis’, John, Irma and Marsha (Short) and cousin Donna Corbett for their daily visits. Debbie, Dave and Laurie Rose for all their help. Nancy Livermore, Sue Bonno, Lanna Scannell and all of Barb’s friends that are too many to list. We all loved you Babs.
Barb is survived by her mother, Rose, her brothers Mike (Judy) Bartley of Tucson, Arizona and Tom (Joan) Bartley of Ironwood, Michigan, Nephews, Jesse, Neil, Shay, Otis and ElliotAunts Irma (John) Greis, Betty (George) Dunlop, Uncles Cappy Bartley and Frank Sudac and many cousins.
She was preceded in death by her father, Neil and his parents Neil and Olive Bartley and Rose’s parents Frank and Rose (Rodman) Sudac.
The Bartley family will receive friends on Saturday, December 11 from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM at the Skradski-Boyce Funeral Home in Escanaba. Memorial services will follow at 12:30 PM at the funeral home with Rev. Fr. Emmett Norden officiating. Barb will be laid to rest in the Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the Bartley respectfully requests donations be made to the Escanaba Animal Shelter, OSF Hospice and Home Helath Care or to Bishop Noa.
The Bartley family is being assisted by the Skradski-Boyce Family Funeral Homes.
Anonymous
Barb was one of my first friends that I made upon moving to Tucson, AZ in 1982. I worked at the Black Angus, and Barb used to love to come in and listen to music. She was very frugal and could make one coke last all night long! We got to be good friends and then her and my boyfriend Mike got to be good friends. They both had a great love for movies, and would often go to the movie theater while I was at work or school. She was at our wedding, and also babysat our newborn Ryan once in a while! We spent alot of time together until we moved away from AZ in 1991. Barb and her good friend Lori came to visit us in Idaho one time, and I would always look Barb up when we visited relatives in AZ.As others have said, Barb was always smiling, never complained, was thoughtful and generous, was talented, smart and a beautiful person inside and out. She was always positive, so much that I really had no idea that she was near the end until I read it on Facebook. I sure wish I could have talked to her or seen her one last time. I will miss you Barb, and I love you.
Becky Odle
Boise, ID
—My Friend Barb—
How can I sum up 21 years of friendship with Barb Bartley?
It was quite a ride. I met Barb when I was a reporter at The Daily Press and she was the newly hired part-time photographer. One night, while waiting for photos to develop, she asked me to take a break from my writing and go outside and look at the sky. It was a warm evening, and sitting on the grassy knoll of the old post office we got an excellent view of the rising moon.
From then on, that’s what Barb was to me — a breath of fresh air, a break from the mundane workaday world. Sometimes — if Barb worked a day shift — we would talk in code on the phone to each other so my boss and co-workers would think I was speaking to Tom Vitito, the superintendent of Esky Schools.
After Barb left the Press, we continued to hang out. I introduced her to my large Russian family and its offbeat traditions. Barb showed me the world.
Over the years we would venture to Idaho, Florida and Arizona (Barb’s beloved second home). I would see the mountains, tropics and the bewitching Sonoran Desert.
We made countless trips to Green Bay, with Barb putting up with me as I stood transfixed inside Lambeau Field and me putting up with her as she dragged me to yet ANOTHER jewelry store! On our drives through the U.P. we encountered everything from a majestic mother moose by McFarland to a terrifying blizzard and car crash by a small berg (ironically) called Helps.
I loved Barb because she was funny, down to earth, loyal, a fount of knowledge on pop culture, but most of all, courageous. She helped me through my emotional meltdowns, always there to offer a shoulder to cry on.
Thank you, God, for giving us a woman like Barb Bartley.
Lori Rose
Escanaba, MI
We are so lucky to have met Barb and have been friends with her via the internet for many years. She was a blessing to all those she knew and even those she never met. She will be missed greatly.
Vanessa
Ann Arbor, MI
Had the pleasure of knowing Barb for several years. What a wonderful person. Always enjoyed visiting with her. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Tammy Stenson
Gladstone, MI
I would like to extend my sympathy to the Bartley fanily. My name is Janet McNellis Macready. I didn’t know Barbara, but, we grew up with the Bartley’s. This is such a difficult time and I will be thinking of all of you. Janet
Janet M Macready
Seatac, WA
Barb was my cousin. She always had a smile on her face. Although spending many years in her difficult fight, she was incredibly strong and never complained. She was an inspiration for me and, I am sure, many others.
Greg Bartley
Houston, TX
Barb Bartley was my kin and more importantly my friend. Her mother Rose was my dad’s niece so I guess that makes us second cousins? Regardless of of the specific familial definition,we shared a connection that was based not only on our being the same age but even more on our having the same independent and free spirit…not to mention our mutual love of dogs (especially pugs!) and our shared silly sense of humor. She lives in my mind as a gorgeously tall, beautiful and really funny person who had a great way of touching people — naturally and openly and giving the sweetness of herself to everyone. I love her and will remember her always.
Sally Rodman
Covington, LA
Barb was always a bright light when i went to the hospital to do my medical records. She ran the goood race. I’ll miss her as will many of her friends and collegues.
John Klim D.O.
Escanaba, MI
Barb and I first met when we worked the switchboard at St. Francis Hospital. She worked the night shift and I worked the day shift–as we both changed positions through the years we were lucky enough to keep working together. I enjoyed our times together very much. And she introduced me to our mutual friend, Debbie. That was Barb. She enjoyed her friends and wanted to share them with each other! Barb was the one you could call on when the troubles of the world seemed too much. She always had a sympathetic ear and could have me laughing in no time. I miss you already, Barb. Until we meet again…
Sally Lantagne
Perronville, MI
It’s with great sadness to hear of Barb’s passing. Her courage and sense of humor were a blessing to all. She will be fondly remember by all of us.
Dave, Dan, and Emily Strom
Dave Strom
Gladstone, MI