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Anna Bartnicki, 89, of Exeter died at the Riverstreet Manor, Wilkes-Barre, on Tuesday, September 3, 2013 of complications following multiple heart attacks. She would have been ninety years old on November 20.
Born to the late Michael "Johns" Chiampi and Antoinette Carpenter Chiampi, Anna was the only girl of seven children. She graduated from Exeter High School, managed a local drug store and met her late husband, Edward Bartnicki, immediately before he served his country during World War 11. Upon his return, they married in 1946 and became an example to many for the next 62 years of what Marriage, Love, Loyalty and Closeness of family truly means.
Only after raising her family, Anna returned to work as a manager for Leslie Fay. She gave up all work outside the home to care for her mother and soon after that, her husband. This care-giving went on for decades and Anna never voiced a complaint about her personal sacrifice. During this time, she survived open heart surgery and cancer yet did not miss a step upon returning home to continue her service to her family. Even after being stricken with severe arthritis, she struggled to remain active and continued her encouragement of those in her care.
Anna possessed an unflinching faith and did not hesitate to teach that faith to others by her simple example of prayer and complete trust in God. She was a magnet to many children who frequented her home from their infancy into adulthood. She enjoyed sewing and became the neighborhood seamstress during her later years..
A person who respected life in all forms, Anna reveled in her own pets and did much animal rescue through her life. She leaves behind her beloved parrot, " Mr. B", in whom she delighted.
Anna was an avid follower of current events and could engage in the details of politics and world news with great enthusiasm. Although so much of her life was spent in her hometown, she was wise and intuitive thus making her advice sought throughout her lifetime. Even at 89, she continued her role as confidante to many. A tribute to Anna that is an example of how loved she was is that Jason Rynkiewicz, a former neighbor who visited the Bartnicki home since his birth. took leave from his position at the Pentagon with the Navy to come home not only to pay his last respects to Anna but to be her pallbearer in full military uniform. Her influence on the lives of so many is reflected in many instances such as this.
Anna never sought anything more than to be a good wife and mother. In both those capacities she was unsurpassed.
Preceded in death by her beloved husband, Edward, in 2007, by her parents and by her brothers, she is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Gloria and Joel Riegel, all of Exeter. Along with many nieces and nephews, she is survived by her step grandson, Brett Riegel and his family, Michelle Brown, Rachel Brown and Aidan Riegel.
She will be sorely missed by her daughter and son-in-law with whom she maintained the closest of relationships and also by her especially supportive, nephew, Edward Ciampi and his wife Fran, of Old Forge.
Anna’s life was celebrated privately by family and close friends at the Gubbiotti Funeral Home, 1030 Wyoming Ave. Exeter, on Saturday, September 7th. The Mass of Christian Burial was offered by her cherished and close friend, Rev. Paul McDonnell, O.S.J., in the Chapel of the Oblates of St. Joseph Seminary. Interment was in Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Carverton.
Pallbearers were Brett Riegel, Joseph Bartnicki, Walter Kalinowski, Kevin Rogers, Kyle Rogers, and Jason Rynkiewicz.
Special gratitude is offered to Dr. James Bruno who was very instrumental in her surviving open heart surgery and cancer over a decade ago. His kindness, gentle understanding and unfailing responsiveness will never be forgotten.
Any contributions in her memory may be made to the Oblates of St. Joseph in care of Father Paul McDonnell, 1880 Highway 315, Pittston, Pa. 18640.
To send the family an expression of sympathy or an online condolence, please visit www.gubbiottifh.com
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