Theresa Petrillo Bartlett, 85, of Newcastle, passed away at her home on the morning of Feb. 16.
The daughter of Gaetano and Theresa (DiIroio) Petrillo, she was born June 19, 1922, in Brighton, Mass. She came to Damariscotta in 1933, where she attended grade school. She graduated from Lincoln Academy, class of 1939.
She married Paul B. Bartlett on Nov. 12, 1952, at St. Patrick’s Church, Newcastle.
From 1941-1959, Theresa was employed at Nash Telephone Company and for 15 years, worked on the floor at Pine Tree Variety in Damariscotta, where she loved her interaction with the public, retiring in 1988. A member of St. Patrick’s Church for over 60 years, Theresa loved her involvement there, including working with her sister Mary in the church store for over 20 years, until Mary’s death in 1992.
She was a voracious reader and traveled extensively with her husband, both within and out of the country. They visited Rio de Janeiro, Aruba, and the Bahamas. They enjoyed several MaineLine bus tours, and making new friends; a favorite destination was Branson, Mo.
Theresa was a longtime fan of the cinema; her favorite movie was “Gone with the Wind.” She enjoyed the music of Lawrence Welk, and Vince Gill. She and her husband were fixtures at both Hannaford and Yellowfront every Thursday morning, sometimes more than not, followed by lunch at one of the local restaurants in the area. She was also known for her great patience and her gentle head shaking and eye rolling at her husband’s “antics” at these establishments.
She enjoyed the camp on Biscay Pond, sitting on the porch watching the pond activities or sitting by the shore doing the same or visiting with neighbors and friends. Her greatest love was for her “two men”: husband Paul and son Jim, to whom she truly dedicated her life.
The last of her siblings, she leaves her loving husband of Newcastle and loving son of Round Pond and was extremely close with her extended family of nieces, nephews and in-laws.
Friends are invited to be with the family 6-8 p.m., Thurs., Feb. 21 at Strong Funeral Home, where a prayer service will be at 6:30 p.m.
Mass of Christian Burial 11 a.m., Fri., Feb. 22 at St. Patrick’s Church, Newcastle, with Rev. Alfred Irving serving as Celebrant.
She will be laid to rest at the Bartlett Family Cemetery, Newcastle in the spring.
Theresa enjoyed flowers but would be just as happy if donations were made to St. Patrick’s Church, P.O. Box 598, Newcastle, ME 04553.
Arrangements entrusted to Strong Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta.
