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Marjorie Isabelle Bartold, age 90, of Sturgis, passed away early Tuesday morning, Feb. 19, 2013, at Sturgis Hospital.
She was born Aug. 22, 1922, in Cass County, a daughter of the late Raymond Earl and Lena Pearl (Stayer) Bruce.
On Dec. 27, 1947, she married Virgil Peter Bartold at Holy Angels Catholic Church in Sturgis. He preceded her in death Feb. 7, 2002.
Marjorie graduated from Western Michigan University in 1944 with a degree in education. She was the first lay teacher at Holy Angels School when it opened in 1949. She later taught in Battle Creek, Port Huron, Marysville, St. Clair and Neenah, Wis., and was a substitute teacher in White Pigeon and Sturgis, retiring in 1984.
She was a member of Holy Angels Catholic Church, Holy Angels altar society, Kiwaniqueens and Western Michigan University Alumni Association.
Her passion for life was matched only by her love of cards and games. She loved to laugh and enjoyed life to the fullest. In her later years, she was deeply grateful for the supportive friendship of Chuck and Debbie Casault, Craig and Madelyn Casault, John Casault and Mike and Cathie Thomasma, who enriched her life by spending countless hours sharing their families and lives with her. She also appreciated the help of Rosie Sponseller, who was always there to assist her in making her outside appearance as beautiful as her inside. She held a special place in her heart for her many friends through school and church. Thank you to all of her previous students who visited her. It meant a lot to her that she was remembered so lovingly. Thank you to the staff and friends at Thurston Woods who cared so tenderly for her.
She is survived by her children, Dr. Stephen Bartold (Gale Hannigan) of Albuquerque, N.M., Patricia Miller (Jim) of LaGrange, Ill., and Connie Johnson (John) of Vail, Ariz.; grandchildren Jill Kennen, Nick Kennen, Dan Miller, Max Miller, Neil Miller, Paula Bradley, Michael Johnson, Erin Haines (Joe) and Michael Shields (Kate); great-grandchildren include Nicholas Bradley and Henry Shields.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Virgil P. Bartold; and two daughters, Elizabeth Kennen (Craig) and Catherine Bartold.
According to her wishes, cremation has taken place. The family will receive friends and relatives from 5–8 p.m. Friday, March 1, 2013, at Hackman Family Funeral Home –– Hackman Chapel, 114 S. Nottawa St., Sturgis, where a Rosary service will be held at 7:30 p.m.
A funeral Mass celebrating the life of Marjorie I. Bartold will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 2, 2013, at Holy Angels Catholic Church, with the Rev. Father German Perez-Diaz, celebrant.
Graveside services and interment will follow in Oak Lawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to American Cancer Society or Doctor’s without Borders. Envelopes are available at funeral home.
