Selma "Sally" Bartfay

Selma "Sally" Idelle (Roberts) Bartfay, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on 10/12/2025 at home in Fountain Valley, California, surrounded by her family.

Born December 22th, 1941 in Hazel Green, Wisconsin, Sally grew up in Melrose Park, Illinois amongst a sea of strong women including her grandmother, a baker, her mother, a nurse, and her older half-sister. After earning her BA degree in education at Illinois State University in 1963, she began her career as a dedicated teacher in Leadville, Colorado, shaping young minds with patience, creativity, and kindness. Craving warmer weather and the love for travel, Sally and a friend made their way to Mexico and ultimately moved to California where she met her husband, Joseph Bartfay, a veterinarian, and married October 29th, 1966. Sally chose to devote herself fully to her growing family, raising four children with love, and unwavering support. In 1979, the family took a one-year road trip towing a small camper around the United States, visiting National Parks and meeting with long lost relatives along the way.

As a mother, Sally created a home filled with curiosity and compassion. She was deeply involved in her children's lives, from homeschooling her two youngest children, to serving as a Girl Scout troop leader for many years, guiding not only her own daughters but countless others with the same warmth and encouragement she gave her students and family. As a daughter, she invited her mother to live with the family for many years, compassionately and tirelessly caring for her until her passing at 92.

Once her children were grown, Sally discovered new passions and talents. As an active member of Toastmasters, she honed her gift for storytelling and public speaking, inspiring others to find their voices. Her love of the night sky led her to take college classes in astronomy, make her own telescope, and join the local club for star parties. She took up cycling; training and completing a ride from Orange County to San Diego. Alongside her husband, she renewed a spirit for adventure, from hiking in the Sierras, to traveling in Europe and across the USA, cherishing the many friendships, renewed family ties and memories made along the way.

Those who knew Sally will remember her for her gentle strength, laughter, the joy she took in caring for others and her passion for lifelong learning. Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched-her family, friends, students, and community.

She is survived by her devoted and loving husband of 59 years, Joseph Bartfay Sr. DVM; her children, Anne (Bartfay) Platzner, William Bartfay, Joseph Bartfay Jr., and Ilona (Bartfay) Warner; grandchildren, Elizabeth Platzner, Zoe Warner, and Hailey Warner.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Sally's favorite charities, Boys Town or World Vision, in honor of her lifelong commitment to supporting children and the community.