Elizabeth Mary Bartek "Betty", Teacher, Care Giver, Volunteer, passed away in her home surrounded by friends and family. Her strong will, unwavering faith in God and love of family, made a full and rewarding life. A devoted wife to her sweetheart, Charles Bartek, who she said was angel. An incredible mother who worked tirelessly caring for her two handicapped sons, Richard and Robert, until she was 85 years old. She went to prayer group every week for years for her youngest son, Donald to heal from an ear and jaw disease. We were so proud of her for battling and conquering cancer in her fifties. She was a teacher, graduating from Paterson State College, a care giver, and a volunteer with the Sussex County ARC where her favorite son, Robert resided. She belonged to the Wharton Ladies Auxiliary, Wharton Senior Citizens, and was a member of Saint Mary's Church in Wharton. She was also fun. Back in the early 1960's, a dozen people, including Betty were sleigh riding Irondale Road, which part of it is now renamed Bartek Lane because of the 5 Bartek families who lived up on the mountain. On a good day you could get 6 cars going up the mountain, but the public works employees had to sand the hill, they were manually throwing sand onto the snow with shovels while on the back of a truck. We had a snowball fight with the public works guys for ruining our sleigh riding hill. My mom nailed the foreman with a snowball, dozens of us were cheering and yelling and jumping up and down busting with pride over MY MOM.

Betty is survived by her son Donald and his wife, Lorraine of Chester. She is also also survived by a little celebrity (RIBBY) a 4" bird (Parolet). He looks like a bluebird. She would play the piano for him and he would in turn sing to her and keep her company when no one else was around.

Daily Record, February 3, 2012