Shirley Bartolucci

BARTOLUCCI – Shirley Bartolucci, of St. Joseph, departed this earth on July 5, 2012 to join our Lord and previously passed loved ones. Shirley was born on June 23, 1924 in Bridgman, MI to Carl and Louise (Backus) Groth. She married Reno Bartolucci in St. Joseph, MI on March 29, 1952, and subsequently had a daughter and son, Rena and Dino. Shirley was a caring and loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who touched the hearts and lives of all she came in contact with. Known by those close to her as ‘Nana’, she is best known for her selfless devotion to her family, giving freely in both heart and possessions and always responding to ‘I love you’ with ‘I love you more’. Although home-bound in her later years due to illness, she made everyone that entered her home feel like family, and built an extended family filled with love in return. She will be dearly missed on earth, but will make heaven a better place for those already there and those that will join her in the future. Shirley is preceded in death by her husband Reno Bartolucci of St. Joseph, MI, her daughter Rena Jacobs of Stevensville, MI, and brothers Robert and Vernon Groth. She is survived by her son Dino and grandson Anthony Bartolucci, granddaughters Rachel and Rebecca Jacobs, great-grandsons Elijah and Evan, and great-granddaughter Emily. A visitation with friends and family will be held on Tuesday, July 10th, at 12:00 PM until 1:00 PM at Starks and Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd, St. Joseph. A Celebration of Life Mass will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Church at 1:30 PM, immediately followed by burial at Riverview Cemetery. An afternoon closing and celebration of Shirley’s life will be held at the Rose Center. Donations on Shirley’s behalf may be made to the American Cancer Society. Those wishing to share a memory of Shirley online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. No Nana, we love you more.