Obituary of Mari A. Bartholomew

Mari A. Bartholomew, 73, passed away on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at her home in Ames, NY surrounded by her loving family. 

She was born on October 1, 1950, in Amsterdam, NY to the late Salvatore and Margaret (Oeser) Rappa. She grew up locally and attended Canajoharie High School where she graduated with the class of 1968. After, Mari studied at the State University of New York at Cobleskill, where she graduated in 1971 with her associate’s degree in Nursery Education. 

After school, she began working for the Schoharie County ARC-Preschool as a trainable teacher. Mari was employed at several jobs throughout her life including a mortgage clerk for Central National Bank, a teller/mortgage loan officer for the Savings and Loan Association in Canajoharie, a teaching assistant for Sharon Springs Central School District, and the village clerk/tax collector for the Village of Ames. 

Mari was married to Lawrence (Larry) J. Bartholomew on November 22, 1969, at St Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Canajoharie, NY. 

Mari taught religious education for many years at the former St Mary’s Catholic Church in Sharon Springs, NY, where she was also a member of the church choir. She also served on the Ames Women’s Auxiliary. 

In her free time, Mari liked to partake in reading and solving crossword puzzles. Her main enjoyment was spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren who were the light of her life. She loved spending time with them doing projects, playing games, singing, reading, baking, going on daytrips, and playing miniature golf. She also volunteered at Crossroads School, where her youngest grandson attends.  

She was predeceased by her parents Salvatore and Margaret Rappa; her mother and father-in-law Floyd and Dorothy Bartholomew; son-in-law Thomas E. Jenks Sr.; brothers-in-law Floyd Jr., William Bartholomew, Howard Bartholomew, Louis DelSignore, and Ronald Tryon; sisters-in-law Madeline Bartholomew, Sylvia Bartholomew; and Goddaughter Emily Tuck. 

Mari is survived by her husband of 54 years Larry J. Bartholomew; children Crissy Jenks of Canajoharie, NY and Joe (Amy) Bartholomew of Fort Plain, NY; grandchildren Kaitlyn Jenks, Thomas Jenks Jr., Caleigh Bartholomew, and Joseph Bartholomew; sisters Margaret Ann Tryon of Esperance, NY and Sally Anne Rappa of Canajoharie, NY; brothers-in-law Douglas (Jodi) Bartholomew of Middleburgh, NY, Philip (Beth) Bartholomew of Florida, and Garry (June) Bartholomew of Sloansville, NY; sisters-in-law Patricia DelSignore of Florida, Sandra (Robert) Johnston of Florida, Adrienne Bartholomew of Middleburgh, NY, Judy Bartholomew of Schenectady, NY, and Marion Charletta of Florida; best friend Connie Vrooman of Sharon Springs; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

Family and friends are invited and may call from 4pm to 7pm on Friday, May 17, 2024, at Betz, Rossi, Bellinger, and Stewart Family Funeral Home, 69 Otsego Street, Canajoharie, NY 13317. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Mari at 10am on Saturday, May 18, 2024, at Our Lady of Hope Roman Catholic Church, 115 Reid Street, Fort Plain, NY 13339. Following Mass, Mari will be laid to rest in Ames Cemetery. After the burial, all are invited back to Cornerstone Baptist Church, 7274 State Highway 10, Ames, NY 13317, for continued fellowship and refreshments. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mari’s honor to any of the following organizations. St Jude Children’s Research Hospital (stjude.org), Crossroads Center for Children Crossroads Center for Children (qgiv.com), or the Make-A-Wish Foundation Donate - Make-A-Wish.