BANGOR – Beloved mother, grandmother, aunt and friend, Anne V. (Bilotta) Bartlett, 96, passed away peacefully Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2012, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on the Fourth of July in 1915, in Somerville, Mass. Ann was one of five children born to Andrew Bilotta and Veronica Dastoli, who were both born in Cosenza, Italy. Of the five, her brother, James, survives.
Ann lost her parents at a very early age. So she taught herself to sew, cook, and take care of her brothers and sister on her own. She worked hard and well into her 70s before retiring from K-Mart, Bangor, where she worked as a department manager. She took great pride in her children and worked hard to make sure they had everything they needed, despite hard times. Her love and devotion was always there for her own children, as well as her grandchildren, whom she adored. Well known for her remarkable culinary artistry, not even her busy daily work days deterred her from creating great feasts for her family. Happiness abounded as she joyfully devoted free days and spare time to prepare great mouth-watering Italian dishes with her own supreme and unmatchable sauce – a delight at the many family gatherings through the years. Even in hard times, she triumphed as an active, happy, and strong willed, hard working woman. Through all of life’s challenges her family was tantamount in her thoughts and heart. They always came first. Even during her final days, although sick, she maintained a devoted daily interest in their lives.
Ann was predeceased by her husband, Albert J. Bartlett of Bangor. She is survived by her son, Albert James Bartlett and his wife, Phyllis, of Hampden and Florida; and two daughters, Elaine I. Buckley and her husband, Ken, and Carol LaGrange of Bangor. Grandchildren include, Kenneth Buckley II of Bangor; Jennifer Colangelo and her husband, Mike, and son, Michael, of Brewer; Jason LaGrange and Kimberly Hand of Bangor, and her two children, Isabel and Lydia of Bangor; Peter C. Bartlett and his wife, Shelly Ann, and children, Jackson and Lauren, of Yarmouth; and James Scott Bartlett and his wife, Jackie, and children, Jessica and Jenna, of Melbourne, Fla. James Bilotta, Ann’s brother, also survives with his wife, Edith, of New Hampshire, and their daughter, Marion, of Massachusetts. Mary Morits, a niece; and Ann’s two nephews, Tom and Michael Morits of Concord, Mass., also survive. Ann’s family wishes to thank the dedicated palliative care team at Eastern Maine Medical Center. Our special thanks to Dr. Bach; Doug Cravens, FNP; the nurses; and nursing technicians, for all of the wonderful care provided during her illness.
At Ann’s request, there will be no funeral service. However, a memorial service will be held later in the summer at Mount Hope Cemetery, Bangor. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Ann’s honor may be made to EMMC Palliative Care Team, P.O. Box 404, Bangor, ME 04401. Arrangements entrusted to Hampden-Gilpatrick Funeral Home, 45 Western Ave., Hampden. Messages of condolences and memories may be shared through
www.hampdengilpatrick.com.