Drusilla "Dru" S. Bartone

Drusilla S. Bartone, age 87, of Conneaut, OH died on April 2nd at her home, surrounded by her loving daughters.  She was born November 19, 1932 in Jamestown, NY, the daughter of Richard L. and Katherin (Wilson) Swanson.

Drusilla graduated from Bradford Junior College and Denison University with a degree in English. She worked in Cleveland, OH at University Hospital as a medical recorder for several years before her marriage to George M. Whitney in 1956, after which she moved to Conneaut, OH. She married Emil D Bartone in 1981, and together they enjoyed traveling, home renovation and gardening.

Drusilla served for many years as the board secretary/treasurer of the Jamestown Lounge Company of Jamestown, NY until its sale.  Dru also worked for many years as the Executive Director of the Conneaut Area Chamber of Commerce.

Dru was an active member of her church, the First Congregational United Church of Christ of Conneaut, teaching Sunday School for many years. She also served as Treasurer of the church for thirty-four years, attended weekly adult Sunday School and was a member of various committees including Trustees until her death.

Dru helped found Ashtabula Regional Home Health, and also the former Conneaut 50/50 Barn, an organization whose work benefited the community and Brown Memorial Hospital. When her daughters were young, she volunteered as a Girl Scout troop leader and was an active member of the West Main Elementary School PTO, helping to organize their annual Fall Festival.  She enjoyed volunteering for the Conneaut Community Center and helping in the creation of their annual quilt.  Dru had a close group of friends who played bridge monthly. 

Dru was a very accomplished weaver, knitter, seamstress and crafter.  The beautiful things she created, including sweaters, scarves, mittens, table linens, curtains and her annual Christmas cards, are a treasured part of the lives of her family and friends. Dru loved reading, sailing and boating, the family cottage on Lake Erie, gardening and spending time with her family.

Mrs. Bartone is survived by her four daughters, Martha Fasick, Margaret (Timothy) Carey, Sarah Whitney and Barbara (Jay) McMellen; her six grandchildren, Jason and David (Megan) Fasick, Charles and Joseph (Amy) Carey,  Katelyn (Taylor) Powers, and Christopher (Ashley) McMellen; and three great grandchildren, Savannah Fasick, Jack Carey and Kora Powers.

She is preceded in death by her parents, brothers Richard and David Swanson, sister Sue Swanson, former husband George M. Whitney, second husband Emil D. Bartone, and son-in-law Scott Fasick.

Celebration of Dru’s life will be held 11:00 A.M., Saturday, June 20, 2020 at the First Congregational United Church of Christ, 211 Buffalo St., Conneaut, with Pastor Frank Walford officiating. Private burial was held in Glenwood Cemetery.

Friends may call at the church from 10:00 AM until the time of the service at 11:00 A.M.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Dru’s name can be made to: the Drusilla Bartone Stained Glass Window Fund in care of the First Congregational United Church of Christ of Conneaut. 

Her family deeply appreciates the compassion and care her Hospice of the Western Reserve team extended to both Dru and her family. 

An online obituary and condolences may be viewed at www.marcyfuneralhome.com.

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