Elizabeth Margaret Ward Bartle

Elizabeth Margaret Ward Bartle – dedicated mother of three, doting grandmother of seven, friend of many, and former long-time Chestnut Hill resident – passed away on Thursday, November 3, 2022 at the age of 79 in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania.

Beth was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and grew up in Mt. Airy and Springfield Township. She graduated from Springfield High School. After graduating from the University of Delaware, she joined the Philadelphia Bulletin, a daily evening newspaper that was once the largest evening newspaper in the United States, and rose to be the Editor of its Food Section. She then put her career on hold to raise a family and became a vibrant part of the local community. She volunteered as a Park House Guide at the Historic Houses of Fairmount Park and at Independence Park and was the co-author of “A Walking Tour of Independence National Historical Park.” She co-Chaired Philadelphia Open House, guided at the Philadelphia Antiques Show and was a member of the Friends of the Chestnut Hill Library.  Not one to sit on her laurels, she became a licensed real estate agent and then later in life went back to school for her Masters in Library Science from Drexel University.  She worked at Rosemont College and at the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC), before joining The Campbell Soup Company in Camden, NJ, as corporate archivist.

Beth loved so many things – going to the beach, cooking and, above all else, floral design & gardening. She would often drive to the Jersey Shore just for the day and was famous for her chocolate chip meringues. Flower arranging was one of her passions and she honed her skills as a member of the Weeders Garden Club and of the Garden Club of Bala Cynwyd. She was an Approved Garden Club of America Floral Design Judge as well as a National Garden Club Approved Judge and was the recipient of the GCA Club Floral Design Achievement Award. She exhibited many floral designs at the Philadelphia Flower Show and countless GCA and NGC flower shows, garnering many blue ribbons. She also shared her deep knowledge with clubs and enthusiasts throughout the area. Beth was a stranger to no one and found great purpose sharing in the successes, joys, and challenges of those around her.

But if there was one thing Beth loved more than anything else, it was her family. She was a loving, supportive, and enthusiastic mother and grandmother and even though the family is spread throughout the United States, she made time to connect, be present when she could, and send thoughtful and creative gifts.

Beth was preceded in death by her parents Dorothy and Arthur Ward. She is survived by her children Louisa, Harvey, and Peter, her son-in-law Austin, her daughters-in-law Vikki and Alissa, her grandchildren Isabelle, Anna, Vivian, Gaby, Josh, Jasper, and Sammy, and numerous other loved ones and friends who are all devastated that she is no longer with us in body, but grateful that she remains with us in spirit.

Relatives and friends are invited to Beth’s Memorial Service Tuesday November 22, 2022, at 1:30pm at St. Thomas’ Church Whitemarsh, 7020 Camp Hill Road, Fort Washington, Pennsylvania, 19034.

Beth dedicated so much of her time and energy to St. Thomas’ Church through the Alter Guild, the Vestry, the Children’s Choir, the Community Garden, and the Barn. Contributions in her name may be made to the St. Thomas’ Church Whitemarsh Memorial Fund.