Mary Margaret "Shon" Bartelmay

Mary Margaret (Shon) Bartelmay, 85, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 30, in Bexley, Ohio. She was born on December 9, 1940, in Youngstown, Ohio, to Joseph and Frances Shon.

Mary was a proud graduate of The Rayen High School, class of 1958. She went on to attend Youngstown University (now Youngstown State University), where she graduated in 1962 with a degree in education. During her college years, she was a member of the Sigma SigmaSigma sorority. Though shy to talk about this in her later years, she was honored in college as Miss Popularity, as well as Interfraternity Council (IFC) Queen, recognitions that defined the warmth and friendliness of her entire life.

Mary dedicated her professional life to teaching young children. After graduating from college, she taught second grade at E.J. Blott Elementary School in Liberty. On August 4, 1963, Mary married the love of her life, Herbert Earl Bartelmay, and they made their home in Boardman. She accepted a part-time position reinforcing reading skills at Robinwood Elementary Schoolbefore later teaching first grade at West Boulevard Elementary School in Boardman, where she remained until her retirement. During her time there, the Parent Teacher Association named Mary"Teacher of the Year," a testament to the lasting impact she had on generations of students.

Mary truly led with her heart. When Herb developed Alzheimer's, she cared for him at home and made daily visits after he entered a care facility, rarely missing a day for them to say back and forth, "I love you more." After Herb's passing, she moved to Columbus to be closer to family.

Known affectionately as "Butchie," a nickname given by her aunt due to her short haircut as a young girl, Mary was full of personality and joy. She loved tole painting, crafts, and home decorating-often "re"-decorating her children's homes when they weren't looking, insisting, "Once you see it, you'll like it!" Most of all, she loved gabbing with friends and family.

Mary had a gift for lifting upothers. Even during her own illness, she brought laughter and light to the doctors and nurses at The James Cancer Hospital in Columbus. She often said that because they witnessed so much sadness, it was her job to bring them joy.

Mary loved her family. Whether it was making sure Herb had the right snacks for Friday night poker, visiting her sisters in Skaneateles, or attending birthdays, hockey, football, basketball, baseball, soccer, lacrosse, band concerts,dance recitals,and graduations for her grandchildren, she brought laughter, kindness, and love.

Mary is survived by her three children: Kristin (Tim) Harpe of Bexley, Ohio, Roy Bartelmay of Baltimore, Maryland, Karen Salajko (Jamie Burrier) of Worthington, Ohio; her grandchildren: Meg, Tucker, Pete, Hayden, Michaella, Kate, J.J., and Luke; and her sister, Fran (Jerome) Keating of Winter Garden, Florida.

She was preceded in death by her husband Herb; her parents, Joseph and Frances Shon; her brother, Sam Shon; and her sister, Anna Marie Gerst.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Mary's lifelong high school and college girlfriends, the teaching staff at West Boulevard for their monthly greeting cards, her former Boardman neighbors, and her friends at Parkview Arms Apartments, where her children request they save a seat for future lobby gatherings. Special gratitude goes to the staff at The James Cancer Hospital, Dr. Dwight Owen, Dr. Joshua Palmer, Dr. Karl Haglund, and her primary care physician, Dr. Lara Blumberg. The family is also deeply thankful for her devoted helpers and friends, Tracy and Pam, and to Capital City Hospice-especially Chaplain Ron, Theresa and Kathryn-for the loving care they provided in Mary's final days (and for ensuring her nails and lipstick matched the beauty of her spirit).

Calling hours will be held on Saturday, February 21 at 11:00 a.m., followed by a Funeral Service and Celebration of Life at noon at Egan-Ryan Funeral Home, 403 E. Broad St., Columbus, Ohio, 43215. A reception for friends and family will follow. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that donations be made to Capital City Hospice (capitalcityhospice.com), 2800 Corporate Exchange Dr. Suite 170, Columbus, OH 43231.