Thelma Barzottini left her earthly home on February 1, 2022. She was born on May 17, 1930 in Pittsfield. She was the second child of Raymond and Myrtle Mercier and had 10 siblings. She was predeceased by her older sister, Irene and her younger brother, Bruce. She often confided in her sister, Mary Jane Lakatos, whom she was especially close to despite living states apart as well as her cousin, Claire Botto. She graduated from New Lebanon Central High and attended Fashion Design School in New York. She worked as a bookkeeper and realtor, but her energy and pride was directed toward her three children, Lynn Lavelle (Charles), Deborah Matteodo (Maurice), Mark Barzottini (Susan), and her six grandchildren, Shannon Rowland (Lloyd), Kyle Lavelle (Brandy), Allison Matteodo and her fiancé Jeff, Christopher Matteodo (Emily), Daniel Barzottini (Lauren) and Laura Beth Barzottini and 7 great grandchildren. She boasted of their achievements and was a staunch advocate of their goals and aspirations.
Thelma and her husband, Richard Barzottini celebrated 70 years of marriage at Laurel Lake Assisted Living Facility on June 2, 2021 where “Dick” still resides.
Thelma was passionate about the removal of PCBs in her community and protecting the environment. This evolved from her love of hiking, horses, all things green, and a natural instinct for justice.
She was a member of Sacred Heart Church and a faithful servant of the Lord. She attended mass every Sunday until she was physically unable.
Thelma had a collection of carousels. She once told her granddaughter, Allison, “I rode the carousel of life and when I came to the end, I grabbed the brass ring and got off the ride.”
The family would like to extend our appreciation to the caretakers of Laurel Landing.
A Memorial Catholic Mass will be held on February 19, 2022 at Sacred Heart Church at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Berkshire Environmental Action Team at TheBeatNews.org in her memory. Dery Funeral Home, 54 Bradford St, Pittsfield, MA is handling the arrangements.