Obituary of Annie Bartley
BARTLEY, Annie H. peacefully with family by her side at Southbridge Care Centre, Owen Sound on Sunday, February 19, 2023. Annie Bartley (nee McLay) of Dyers Bay in her 99th year. Beloved wife of the late Elmer Bartley. Cherished mother of Allan Bartley and his wife Lorie Root of Ottawa and Lee Bartley and her husband John Crossley of Dyers Bay. Much loved grandmother of Isabelle Bartley, Madeleine Bartley, Laura Strangway, Robyn Strangway-Calder (Kyle) and Robert Robinson Bartley Crossley (Eleanor) and great grandmother of Scott, Ellie, Rachel and Merrick. Predeceased by daughter Janie Strangway (John), parents Rachel (nee Kelly) and Allan K. McLay, brothers John Allan K. 'Bunter' McLay (Verna Noble), Donald K. McLay (Lenore Vickers), Kenneth 'Kenny' McLay (Gertie Edmonstone) and George McLay (Wilma Vickers) and sisters Margaret 'Mag' Shearer (Duncan), Bella Maud Hawke (Garney) and Mary Hofstrand (Howard).
Annie McLay was born in a log cabin in Lindsay Township and married Elmer Bartley in 1949. They farmed at Dyers Bay before buying the Dyers Bay General Store which Annie managed for many years. Among Annie’s accomplishments, she was Postmistress at the Dyers Bay summer post office for more than 10 years and the Dyers Bay correspondent for The Wiarton Echo for many years. She was one of the founders of the Lindsay Township Historical Society and a leader in the Lindsay Township Womens’ Institute. She was active in her community and over the years played euchre with family and neighbours, participated in the Dyers Bay Philosophy Club and was a member of the Dyers Bay Community Association. She was held in high esteem by her neighbours not just because of her advanced age but because of her intelligence, excellent memory of community history and willingness to stand up for others. Annie will also be remembered as a talented artisan who made quilts and blankets for friends and family until her last year.
A private family service was conducted at the GEORGE FUNERAL HOME, LION'S HEAD CHAPEL, Lion's Head. A graveside interment service will be conducted at Stokes Bay Cemetery on May 27th, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. A time of fellowship and refreshment will follow at the Stokes Bay Community Centre. Expressions of remembrance to Lion's Head Hospital c/o Bruce Peninsula Hospitals Foundation would be appreciated. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family through www.georgefuneralhome.com
