Stella Nestora Bartelson – March 12, 2022

January 7, 1933 – March 12, 2022

Stella Nestora Bartelson was a vibrant survivor and someone who persevered in life. Stella passed away on March 12, 2022 after a full life of bringing light and wisdom to many. Stella was born in Naousa in northern Greece on January 7, 1933. After World War II, her family was planning to move to America and build a future for the family. Unfortunately tragedy took her parents during the fighting in the Greek Civil War in 1946. Stella vowed to come to America, get an education, and build a family to carry on with her families’ hopes and dreams. After attending Anatolia College in Greece, she immigrated to America, with her passage granted by Queen Frederica of Greece. Stella attended the University of Wisconsin at Platteville to become a teacher. She married David Bartelson in 1959 and graduated from Platteville in 1960.

Stella and David were married for 62 years. Stella became a teacher of junior high English and French. Stella then became a teacher of all subjects and grade levels at the Wisconsin Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired in Janesville, Wisconsin. She taught for a total of 18 years making a positive impact and changing the lives of many children. She had impeccable skills in embroidery, sewing, knitting and crocheting with amazing original designs. She loved to go camping and fishing with the family and also loved growing the most beautiful of rose gardens. Every Christmas she would make a gigantic pot of sarmathes, Greek lamb and rice filled cabbage rolls with egg lemon sauce, which were loved by all. She and David moved to Colorado with their family in 1978, and ran their own business for over 40 years.

Her family is carried on by her husband, David Bartelson; daughter, Lana (John) Rogerson; son, James (Mary) Bartelson; and son, Jonathan (Jennifer) Bartelson. Her family is also carried on by her grandchildren: Spencer (Melissa) Rogerson, Evan Rogerson, Josh (Brooklynn) Bartelson, Caitlin Bartelson, and Ryan Bartelson; and a great-grandson, Kolton Rogerson. In addition, she has a niece, Athena Frieler, and nephew, John Tsakiri.

 Her family’s lives were richer and fuller for having experienced her care and wisdom. Stella was beloved as she showed great love and patience to so many, the ever-eternal teacher.  She lives on in her children, grandchildren, and great grandson.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial contributions be made for the staff at Legend Assisted Living. Cash or checks made payable to Legend of Colorado Springs are preferred. Please reference Stella Bartelson and mail donations to Legend Senior Living, 2368 Research Parkway, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80920.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 17, 2022 at the Shrine of Remembrance, 1730 E. Fountain Blvd., with a reception to follow at the Olympian Plaza Reception and Event Center, 975 S. Union Blvd.  Stella will be entombed at the Shrine of Remembrance Mausoleum, Court of David.