Obituary of Barbara A. Bielec
Barbara (Bobbi) A. Bielec passed away at Rome Health, surrounded by her loving family on November 10, 2023.
Barbara was born in Erie, Pennsylvania, on September 20, 1932, to the late William and Myrtle Johnson Sopp. She graduated from Academy High in Erie, Pennsylvania, and went on to work for General Electric Corporation. Barbara was united in marriage to Edward P. Bielec, the love of her life, at St. Peter’s Cathedral in Erie, PA. A blessed union of 64 years, she affectionately would call him “Eddie Man” until his passing in 2018.
Barbara worked for the Rome City School District as a library aide at Stokes Elementary School for over 40 years before retirement. She was passionate about sharing her love of literature to students and truly adored her “Stokes Family.” Barbara was a kind, fun-loving and generous individual. She spent volumes of time with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, which brought her endless joy. She always enjoyed their sporting events and was their biggest fan. Barbara had an adventurous spirit and loved to travel. While traveling throughout France, she sailed across the countryside in a hot air balloon. Barbara was a member of CSEA and a former officer of the St. Joseph’s Church Women’s Club, and a choir member at the church.
Bobbi is survived by her son, Paul (Barbara) Bielec of Madison, WI, two daughters, Leslie (Mark) Blackburn of Rome, and Lynn Hirst of West Palm Beach, Fl; loving grandchildren, Elin (Mark) Beer, Aaron Blackburn, Derek (Catie) Blackburn, Will Bielec and Leslie Coleman; her beloved great grandchildren, Laina Beer, Noah and Wyatt Blackburn; sister, Norma Janosko of Grand Prairie, TX; and several nieces and nephews. Barbara was predeceased by her parents, beloved husband, Edward, grandson, Adam Blackburn, brothers, William and Howard Sopp, and sister, Geraldine Mitchell.
The family wishes to express a special thank you to Marsha from Independence Care, to her caregivers, Anna, Lisa and Gail, and to the ICU staff at Rome Health for their compassionate care given to Barbara and her family.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be Held on, Wednesday, November 29, 2023, at 11:00 AM, at St Joseph’s Church, Lee Center. Burial will be in Arlington National Cemetery. There will be no calling hours.
In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to St. Joseph’s Church Memorial Fund, 5748 Stokes-Lee Center Road, Lee Center, NY 13363, The Humane Society of Rome, 6247 Lamphear road, Rome, NY 13440, or the Jervis Public Library, 613 North Washington Street, Rome, New York 13440.