Mary Barthelson

Mystic - Mary Ellen Henkle Barthelson, 77, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 8, surrounded by her loving daughters and staff at Mystic Manor.

Born in Lincoln, Neb., on March 30, 1927, she was a daughter of Nell Youngers Henkle and Lionel Henkle. Mary grew up in Ledyard. She graduated from Norwich Free Academy with a full scholarship to Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts and continued her studies in art at Syracuse University where she fell in love with fellow art student and future husband, Albin August Barthelson Jr. They were married in Ledyard on Sept. 6, 1948, and raised their three daughters in Closter, N.J. She was predeceased by Albin in 1976.

Mary was an accomplished artist. She exhibited and sold her landscapes, still lifes and commissioned portraits throughout the area. She was a long time member of the Mystic Arts Center, formerly the Mystic Art Association, and an elected artist member since 1991. Mary was also as an artist member of the Essex Art Association.

Mary loved children and was a champion of many children's causes. As a member of the Mystic Congregational Church she began a Penny Power fund drive for a new playscape at the Norwich Shelter. She enjoyed many hours as a mentor to students at Cutler Middle School in Mystic.

Mary worked at Electric Boat and later as the registrar for Williams School in New London where she retired in 1980 after 13 years. After retirement, Mary sat on the board of Hope, Inc. working to provide local families with affordable housing. She was a voracious reader, loved crossword puzzles, writing, travel, theater, going to dinner and laughing with her many beloved friends.

Mary is survived by her three daughters, Kristine Grabell, of West Windsor, N.J., Lisa Barthelson, of Rutland, Mass. and Karen Barthelson, of Stonington. In addition, she is survived by sons-in-law, Jeffrey Grabell and Robert Cox Jr.; grandchildren, Adam, Benjamin and Erica Grabell, Jessamyn, Jonathan and Marissa Cox, and Kate McCann; many nieces and nephews; and her dog, Molly.

Mary was predeceased by her sister, Patricia Henkle Crawford, of Palos Verdes, Calif.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Mystic Arts Center, 9 Water Street, Mystic, CT 06355 for the creation of an endowment fund for the Mary Barthelson Pastel Award to be given out each year encouraging other pastel artists, or to the Mystic Manor's Recreation Fund, Mystic Manor, 475 High Street, Mystic, CT 06355 or to a charity of the donor's choice.

A celebration of Mary's life will be held on Monday, February 14, at 2 p.m. at the Mystic Congregational Church, 43 E. Main Street, Mystic followed by a reception at the Mystic Congregational Parish Hall. Interment of the ashes will be held privately for the family at Ledyard Center Cemetery. There are no calling hours.

The Dinoto Funeral Home, 17 Pearl Street, hsitoric downtown Mystic is assisting the family. For obituary information or to send an online condolence to the family, please visit www.dinotofuneral.com.