Isabella Virginia (Brackinridge) Barthelmeh, 99

DOVER - Isabella Virginia (Brackinridge) Barthelmeh, of Dover, died peacefully Friday, May 9, 2008, in Capitol Health Care Services, Dover. She was 99.

Mrs. Barthelmeh was born July 2, 1908, in Philadelphia, daughter of the late Harry and Annabelle (Hill) Brackinridge.

She moved to Glenside, Pa., when she was about 5 years old and attended Abington High School.

Her father, Harry Brackinridge, was stage manager for the ornate Keswick Theatre, which opened in Glenside in January 1929 as a vaudeville and film theater. Her dad often delighted Isabella by taking her to this theatrer. Mrs. Barthelmeh was invited to its 75th anniversary and danced at that celebration on Dec. 26, 2003.

She worked for the American Store (Acme) for 31 years. She was outgoing, friendly and enjoyed her job immensely.

Mrs. Barthelmeh moved to State Street Assisted Living in Dover in July 2004 to be near her son and his family. She made many friends, received excellent care and enjoyed the family atmosphere while residing there.

She liked bingo, feeding the birds, country rides, spending time with her friends there and visiting Albert and his family.

Following retirement she enjoyed traveling to Spain, Rome, Hawaii, Canada and throughout the United States.

Her hobbies included bowling, dancing, playing cards, knitting (especially hats for children's charity), bingo, casinos, bargain shopping and church activities.

Her most enjoyable times were spent with family and friends.

Mrs. Barthelmeh was a life member of St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Glenside.

She lived a good, full, long and happy life.

Her friends and family were cheering her on to make it to 100 years and she almost did.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Aloys Barthelmeh; four brothers and her daughter-in-law, Doris Elaine "Dottie" Barthelmeh.

She is survived by her son, Albert H. Barthelmeh and his wife Claudia, of Clayton; three grandsons, Albert Barthelmeh Jr. and his special friend Betty Stallard, Tommy Barthelmeh and his wife June and their son Kelvin, Jimmy Barthelmeh and his wife, Laura; nieces, Marie Brackinridge of Wolfeboro, N.H., Janet (Brackinridge) Penny and her husband Bill of Sun City, Fla., Peggy and Roy Boulwere of Florida and Anne Brackinridge of Horsham, Pa.; a sister-in-law, Ileana Barthelmeh of Souderton, Pa.; and special friends, Jean Radetsky of Wolfeboro, Mike and Ginny Evangelista of Harleyville, Pa., and Bob and Elaine Suskie of Roslyn, Pa., Claudia Barthelmeh's family, Lucilla and Greg Esham, Candace and Calvin of Millsboro, Audrey and Rod Rabenneck, Alyssa and Emily of Omaha, Neb., Buck and Judy Jones and Madison of Palm Harbor, Fla., and the Tucker family, especially Carl of Glenside.

Friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday at Faries Funeral Chapel, Smyrna.

Services will be 1 p.m. Monday in the Faries Funeral Chapel, 29 S. Main St., Smyrna, where friends may call one hour earlier.

Burial will be in Odd Fellows Cemetery, Smyrna.

Instead of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Kenton United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 188, Kenton, DE 19955; or to Christ Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 1374, Dover, DE 19903.