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LEAVITTSBURG -- Erika K. Bartholomew, 84, passed away peacefully into eternal rest, Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2024, at Eden Vista of Stow, where she had been a memory care resident since 2022.
She was born Nov. 17, 1939, in Marklkofen, Germany, the daughter of the late Leonhard and Katharina Kramhoeller Speckmaier.
She immigrated to the United States in 1960 and served in the U.S. Army from 1961 to 1963. She then met and married George A. Bartholomew on Oct. 26, 1963, and they enjoyed 58 years of marriage together until he passed away, June 28, 2022.
Erika worked as the secretary to the superintendent of LaBrae School System in Leavittsburg for 30 years before retiring in 2005.
Erika loved cooking, knitting, crocheting, flowers and gardening. She was smart, organized and a loyal friend.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, George; and her brother, Bruno Speckmaier.
Erika is survived by her sons, Gregory Bartholomew of Warren and Thomas Bartholomew (Nassim Mir Mozaffari) of Stow; her daughter, Heidi Bartholomew (Timothy Brown) of Pittsburgh; her sister, Hildegard Gemlich (Bill) of Las Vegas; her brother, Hartl Speckmaier (Magdolna) of Marklkofen, Germany; her sister-in-law, Eileen Blaney of Cortland; and many nieces, nephews and friends in the USA, Germany, Canada and Sardinia.
Cremation has taken place. A celebration of life service will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, March 2, 2024, at the James Funeral Home in Newton Falls, with Pastor John Jaros officiating. Calling hours will be from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, at the funeral home. Erika will be laid to rest beside her husband George in Pine Knoll Cemetery in Warren Township.
The family would like to thank Erika's wonderful caregivers at Eden Vista of Stow and Traditions Hospice. Erika loved LaBrae Local Schools and especially the band program. Memorial gifts may be made to support the band's uniform drive at https://labrae.school/LaBrae_Donations.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the James Funeral Home, 8 E. Broad St., Newton Falls, OH 44444, 330-872-5440. Family and friends may view her obituary online or send condolences at www.jamesfuneralhomeinc.com.
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