Laura S. (Stagg) Bartoshesky

Laura S. Bartoshesky of Wilmington, DE, passed away peacefully while holding her husband’s hand on the morning of Friday, September 23, 2016.

Born as Laura Mae Stagg on May 20, 1932, she was fondly known as Laurie, Butch, Mrs. B., and Mom-Mom. She grew up on Maple Side Dairy Farm in Snow Hill, Maryland and was always proud of being an Eastern Shore girl and a farmer’s daughter. She graduated from Snow Hill High School in 1949 and attended the University of Maryland. She graduated from Delaware Hospital School of Nursing in 1954.

Destiny intervened one morning when a dashing dental resident boarded the elevator with her. She soon married him – Walter S. Bartoshesky, DDS – and entered into 63 happy years of marriage. Then, Now, and Forever. Together they enjoyed boating, bridge, and building a family.

Laura’s world revolved around her family. She was the loving mother of six children, Robert and his wife, Leslie, of Salisbury, MD; William and his wife, Cynthia, of Landenberg, PA; Sally Rusk and her husband, John, of Wilmington, DE; Thomas and his wife, Hollis Dayton, of Ann Arbor, MI; Virginia Harrison and her husband, Ian, of Charles Town, WV; and Ted and his wife, Jessica, of Old Hickory, TN.

She is beloved by fourteen grandchildren: Kimberly (Brett), Jeffrey (Samantha), Rebecca, Craig (Amy), Matthew, Taber (Nadia), Nicole (Richard), Jessica, Adam, Benjamin, Hannah, Strayer, Olivia, Harrison, and one great-granddaughter, Sophia Mae.

Her family always came first. She rarely missed a family event. As a parent, she spent years on the sidelines of track and swimming meets, football and field hockey games, and wrestling matches. Hers was often the loudest voice from the bleachers. Later, she enjoyed supporting her grandchildren’s soccer, lacrosse, diving, gymnastics, concerts, and performances.

Any friend was treated as family and all were welcomed into her home – two-legged or four-legged. Show up any time, any day, and you’d be treated to a snack or a meal. Her generosity was limitless. And it made her smile.

Every holiday was an excuse to get everyone together. She could turn anything into a celebration – Super Bowl parties, Easter egg hunts, crab and golf invitationals, pumpkin carving, and New Year’s Day fondue. Family beach trips were a highlight every year.

Laura helped establish the Women’s Auxiliary of the Delaware State Dental Society and served as its President. She also served on the School Board of the Alexis I. duPont School District. She volunteered for numerous organizations – from Cub Scout Den Mother to the Perfect Gift Christmas Shop.

Laura was predeceased by her parents, Robert and Charlotte Gordy Stagg, her sister Jeanne Martin, and brother Robert, Jr. She is survived by her brother, James Benjamin, of Easton, MD and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

There will be a Visitation on Friday, September 30, from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at the Doherty Funeral Home - Pike Creek, 3200 Limestone Road, Wilmington, DE. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions in memory of Laura Stagg Bartoshesky to the All Hallows Church Fund, 101 North Church Street, Snow Hill, MD 21863. 

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