Obituary of Grace O. Bartnett

Grace O. Bartnett, age 93, of Bethlehem Twp., NJ, died Wednesday, July 23, 2014 at her home surrounded by her loving family. Mrs. Bartnett was born January 2, 1921 in Philadelphia, Pa. She was the daughter of the late Patrick and the late Elvira (Ford) O'Rourke. She resided in Bethlehem Twp., NJ for the past 64 years on All Breeze Farm. Grace received her Bachelor of Arts from Queen's College Manhattan in 1942, and at the age of 68, she continued her education at Trenton State College, obtaining a Master's Degree in Counseling. She proudly served her country as a W.A.V.E. lieutenant in the US Navy during World War II, and received a special dispensation from the President of the United States for her contributions as a U.S. codebreaker for the Japanese Code. Grace was propelled forward by her life-long commitment to learning and service; after the war, Grace was a journalist in Cleveland, OH and Binghamton, NY. She was then a journalist and editor for the former Hunterdon County Republican in Flemington, NJ, an elementary school teacher in the Glen Gardner school system, head of Public Relations and Fundraising for Hunterdon Medical Center, and a probation officer for the Hunterdon County Probation Department in Flemington, NJ. After taking early-retirement at age 72, Grace remained dedicated to her community; she served on the North Hunterdon Board of Education and regularly volunteered for voting operations in the county. She devoted her life always to her family, but especially to her grandchildren, the students of her life and her love. She is survived by her daughter, Jane Bartnett of Merrick, NY, sons, Patrick Bartnett and his wife, Holly of Bethlehem Twp., NJ, and Robert Bartnett and his wife, Vici of Bethlehem Twp., NJ, and her sister, Patricia Morrison of Randolph, NJ, as well as her cherished grandchildren, Erin, Patrick, Matthew, Luke and Vici's son, Andreas. She was pre-deceased by her beloved husband, Robert A. in 1974 and her sisters, Ann O'Rourke and Rose Yunker. Grace's quiet brilliance, sharp wit, and unconditional love were infectious for all who met her. The world will forever be filled with Grace. A memorial mass in celebration of Grace's life will be held at 10:00am on Saturday, August 2, 2014 at St. Anne's Church in Hampton, NJ.