Obituary of Dorothy "Dottie" Bartaris

Dorothy “Dottie” Margaret Bartaris nee Nicholson, age 88, Lawrenceville, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 17, 2021, surrounded by her loving family. Born on April 20, 1933 in Bronx, New York. The Bronx is where Dottie met her husband, Thomas “Gus” Bartaris (deceased 2000). They were married in 1954. In 1960, the couple moved out of the city to live and raise their family in the beautiful countryside of Lawrenceville, New Jersey. While in Lawrenceville, Dottie and Gus were owners of the Pick & Dig Nursey (formally located on the corner of Franklin Corner Road and Princeton Pike) and Lawrence Bar and Liquors (formally located in the Lawrence Shopping Center). Dottie enjoyed a successful career spanning over 20 years with Educational Testing Services (ETS) located in Princeton, New Jersey. After retiring from ETS, Dottie actively volunteered in Mercer County for causes important to her. They include: Meals on Wheels, Lawrence Township Arts Council, Lawrence Township Garden Club, N.J. State Museum, and the Morven House (a National Historical Landmark). Upon arrival to New Jersey, Dottie joined the Lawrenceville Presbyterian Church, where she was an active choir member and volunteer for the Holiday Fall Festival. Socially, the Create and Relate group at the Church, provided Dottie an avenue for friendship and her love of cross-stich. Dottie is survived by her four daughters and their husbands; Jane Mansmann, Ruth & Jerry Hawthorne, Jill & Stephen Matherson and Catherine Goldberg. Dottie is also survived by her 11 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. Dottie is proceeded in death by her husband “Gus”, her brother William Nicholson, her mother and father, William and Ruth (nee Seafelt) Nicholson and her son-in-law, Harry Mansmann. Dottie will rest in peace at the Greenwood Cemetery where there will be a private ceremony for immediate family. If inspired by Dottie’s life, donations can be made to The Lawrenceville Presbyterian Church, 2488 Main Street, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648. To leave a condolence for the family, please visit www.poulsonvanhise.com