Bertha E. (Sokolowski) Tartaglia

Mrs. Bertha E. (Sokolowski) Tartaglia, age 95, a longtime resident of East Utica, passed away on Saturday, June 12, 2010 at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center with the love and support of her family by her side. Born in Utica on September 20, 1914, Bertha was the daughter of the late Felix and Ida (Wojiechowska)Sokolowski. She was raised in Utica and attended local schools. In 1932 she married Raffaele “Rufus” Tartaglia who passed away on January 5, 1943. The couple was blessed with three children who were God’s gift and a legacy to their marriage. Bertha was born to serve others and dedicated over 30 years of her life to caring for the clergy and the church of St. Anthony of Padua. She was involved in countless organizations, festivities, and celebrations at the Parish, and she always held close her devotion to Sts. Cosmas and Damian. Her work ethic was unsurpassed and was carried out with pride in each and every endeavor of her life. As a mother, she provided for her children, and she embraced the joyful reward of being a grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother. Her loved ones will treasure the wonderful memories of a woman of great venture. As the matriarch of the family, Bertha awoke each day thinking of what she needed to cook or bake, or what chores needed to be accomplished during her ‘endless day’. The traditions of holidays and the love of family were so important to her. Her life was filled with fun times and laughter, carried on the wings of her words of wisdom, and acts of goodness and generosity. The family finds comfort that she was called to eternity on the Feast of St. Anthony to whom we pray when we need to find something. Bertha has truly found her way to the Lord and now rests in Heaven with those she loved. She was faith filled, prayerful and shared a great devotion to St. Anthony and was a lifetime member of the now consolidated St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church. Bertha is survived by her son, Michael J. Tartaglia; and her daughter and son-in-law, Anne and Dominic Martinelli, all of Utica. Always close to her heart was the memory of her son, Rufus L. Tartaglia, Sr., who passed away on July 2, 2000. She also leaves her daughter-in-law, Debra Tartaglia; also in remembrance is her daughter-in-law, Patricia Tartaglia who passed in September of 2004; thirteen grandchildren, two beloved grandchildren who preceded her in death; twenty-two great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren. Survivors also include her brother and sister-in-law, Edwin and Rose Sokolowski of Utica; nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins; and the many dear friends who graced Bertha’s life, with special mention of Deacon Bill Dischiavo. She was predeceased by her brothers and sisters-in-law, Stanley and Julia Sokolowski, Joseph and Florence Sokolowski, and Alfred and Ruth Sokolowski; and her sister, Eleanor and Louis Rumbutis. The family gratefully acknowledges the care that was rendered to Bertha during the later years of her life by the staff of the Masonic Care Community of NY Placid household. The patience, kindness, and respectful dignity they expressed as they tended to her needs will remain in the hearts of her family. Thanks also to the personnel of the St. Elizabeth Medical Center Emergency Room, the East Orthopedic Ward, and the physicians and staff who offered comfort and assurance to Bertha. Visitation will be held Tuesday (today) from 4:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc. 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Bertha’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Wednesday morning at 9:30 from the funeral home and at 10:30 at St. Anthony and St. Agnes Church where her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Committal services will be held graveside in Calvary Cemetery.

Bertha E. (Sokolowski) Tartaglia

September 20, 1914 - June 12, 2010