Elizabeth Bartko

Elizabeth Bartko, 92, widow of George "Tony" Bartko, passed away Saturday, November 7, 2020, at her residence, surrounded by her loved ones.

Known by family and friends as "Betty," she was a daughter of the late John and Elizabeth (Rebar) Spock of Freeland, PA.

Born in Sandy Run, PA, Betty was the fifth of nine children. As a young lady, she was a member of the Sodality of the Blessed Mother at St. Mary's Byzantine Catholic Church in Freeland, and once had the honor of being named the "May Queen" who placed a wreath on the Icon of Our Lady. She attended Freeland High School where she was in the National Honor Society and graduated in 1946. After high school, she attended the McCann School of Business in Hazelton and graduated in 1948.

Betty went on to work for Penn State University Hazelton Campus from 1948 to 1955. After marrying her husband in 1955, they moved to Pottstown where they started a family and raised two children. In addition to being an outstanding wife, mother, and devoted grandmother, she was also a cashier at Bi-Rite Grocery Store for several years until 1962 and then worked as a housekeeper until 1977. Her last career before retiring was as a Laundry Aide at Pottstown Memorial Medical Center, retiring after 21 years of service in 1988.

A woman of deep faith, Betty was a member of St. John the Baptist Byzantine Catholic Church for 65 years, where she also served as Sacristan for 45 years (1972-2017). In addition to her love of God and His Church, her other joys in life were her family, reading the newspaper, and cooking – she was most famous for her chocolate chip cookies, but had many specialties from cabbage balls to sweet potato casserole. She was also recognized as the 1,000,000th patient at Pottstown Memorial Medical Center East. All who knew her recognized her humility, generosity, and heart for serving others. She will be deeply missed by all.

Betty is survived by a daughter, Mary Elizabeth Bartko; a son, George Dennis Bartko, and his wife Robin; a brother, George Spock; two sisters, Pauline Evancho and Martha Minsenberger; and two grandchildren, Christina and Noah Bartko.

She is predeceased by her grandson, Nicholas Joseph Bartko, the son of Robin and Dennis Bartko; three brothers, John, Edwin, and Anthony Spock; and two sisters, Mary Spock and Agnes Ward.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, November 24, 2020 for immediate family only at 10 A.M. at St. John's Baptist Byzantine Catholic Church located at 301 Cherry St.

An online celebration of life is tentatively planned for Saturday, December 5, 2020, at 11 A.M.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent via check to St. John the Baptist Byzantine Catholic Church Building Fund, 301 Cherry Street, Pottstown, PA 19464.

Warker-Troutman Funeral Home, Inc., Pottstown is honored to serve the family.

Fond memories, tributes, condolences and access to the live-stream can be found at www.warkertroutmanfuneralhome.com