Sylvia P. (Carr) Bartol

Sylvia P. Bartol, age 97 years 10 months 10 days, of Munising, entered eternal life on April 25, 2018.  It is fitting that the last days of her perfectly simple life ended at the very place where she graced so many with her kindness, compassion, and love….Munising Memorial Hospital with her son and daughter by her side.

Sylvia was born June 15, 1920 on the family farm in Traunik, Michigan, the eighth of nine children to Louis and Frances (Laurich) Carr.  She graduated from Eben High School Class of 1940.  While in high school, Sylvia worked at the Mikulich Store in Traunik.  During WWII, she moved to Cleveland, Ohio and worked for Thompson Air Craft making propellers.   She returned after the War and was united in marriage with her lifelong friend and neighbor Robert J. Bartol on May 31, 1947 at St. Rita’s Church in Trenary, Michigan.   They started their family in 1948 living first in Christmas, Michigan then at the Veteran’s Huts in Munising.  In 1951, they moved to the home they had built together on Jewell Street.

As a homemaker, wife, and mother of two, Sylvia enjoyed gardening, baking, knitting, and sports, both participating in and watching.  She worked at Scotty’s Motel until she was recruited to begin her nurse’s training.  For a number of years, she enjoyed working as an aide at Munising Memorial Hospital, then as a chair-side assistant for Dr. Myler, DDS.   In 1972, she joined what she considered the most special team of care providers at the Munising Medical Center, retiring in her early 80’s.  She was a member of Sacred Heart Church, a past member of the Alger County Historical Society, the Munising Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, and the Traunik Slovenian Club.  Sylvia’s longevity can be attributed to her love of walking, the connection she had with her community, time spent with family, and her positive outlook on life.

Survivors include her son Robert W. Bartol of Munising; her daughter and son-in-law Barbara (Roger) Koski of Eau Claire, WI; five grandchildren – Ryan (Theresa) Koski, Kitt Koski (Patti Rubo and son Jack), Rhett (Teela) Koski, Alissa Bartol, and Brittany (Adam) Gay; nine great-grandchildren – Andrew, Mitchell, Elliana, Henry, Isabelle, Gavin, Jacek, Adalynn, and Brooklynn; she is further survived by sisters-in-law – Ruth Carr and Helen Carr and several nieces and nephews.  Sylvia was preceded in death by her husband of forty-five years, Robert J. Bartol who passed on November 9, 1992; her parents Louis and Frances Carr; eight siblings -  John Carr, Josephine Patterson and her infant twin Antonia, Louis Carr, Frank Carr, Antonia Carr, Ludwig Carr, and Mary Carr; and also by infant grandson Roger W. Koski, Jr.

“We have lost a very special person in our lives, Mother, Grandmother, and Great-grandmother, Sylvia.  The wisdom she shared will guide us all and her memory will forever be in our hearts.  She touched so many people, more than we will ever know.  Thank you to all who reached out to Mom on her final journey.  To the staff at Harbour View where she was a resident for two years, to Dr. Mark Olson at the Superior Walk In Clinic, to her medical team at Munising Memorial Hospital, to Father Chris Gardiner at Sacred Heart Church, and to all of the people from near and far who supported our family.  As we say goodbye, the tears we shed will be tears of joy for she lived a long and beautiful life.  May all of her cribbage hands be a 29.”

Inurnment will take place at the Maple Grove Cemetery in Munising on Friday, June 15, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. with Father Chris Gardiner leading the prayers.

Memorials in Sylvia’s name may be made to any local charity of your choice.