Obituary of Jean Bartoletti

BARTOLETTI – Jean (Reese), 93, Ebensburg, passed away peacefully on April 22, 2018, at home. Born January 11, 1925, in Ebensburg, daughter of the late Stanley G. and Caroline (Servis) Reese, Jean was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Louis Bartoletti, and by her brother, Bill Reese. Jean was extraordinarily proud of her children: Karen, Austin, Texas; Susan, wife of Tom Estep, Ebensburg; Louis P. Jr. “Chip,” Atlanta, Georgia; and Lisa, wife of Phil Shaw, Lititz, Pennsylvania. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Scott Estep (wife Jamie, and children Deklan and Ian); Casey Estep (husband Mike Burdick); Bart Estep; Susan Brannock (husband Christian, and daughter Kinsley Reese); and Marina and Alana Bartoletti; and by her brother, Bob Reese, and sister, Eleanor Benko. Jean graduated from Ebensburg-Cambria High School and attended Allegheny College. In 1962, she volunteered to work temporarily for her brother-in-law, Robert Benko, while he established his dental practice. She ended up an integral part of Dr. Benko’s practice, working as his receptionist, bookkeeper and assistant until her retirement in 1996. Jean was a lifelong member of the Ebensburg United Church of Christ (Congregational) and was devoted to the church, where she was a deacon and held many other leadership positions, including President of Women’s Fellowship. She was in charge of flowers for the church for almost 20 years, and all of her children have memories of foraging, under their mom’s direction, in area fields and backyards for fresh flowers for the Sunday morning service. She was an avid gardener, a lover of birds, a wonderful writer, and an accomplished, “take-no-prisoners” bridge player. She loved the beach and the family farm in New Jersey where she spent many childhood summers with her cousins and Aunt Florence. The family is deeply grateful to 365 Hospice, Highmark Aspire Home Visit Program and Nealen’s Personal Care, with special thanks to Cherie, Janice and Jerry for their love and laughter. The memorial service will be held at 10:30 AM, April 28, at Ebensburg United Church of Christ, with reception to follow in the church educational building. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jean’s memory may be made to the Ebensburg United Church of Christ, the Ebensburg Public Library or the charity of your choice. Arrangements are in the care of Askew-Houser Funeral Homes Inc., Ebensburg.