Amy Bartolameolli

Perhaps through her own struggles, Amy Bartolameolli came to have an abundance of understanding and compassion towards others, yet from her earliest beginnings, she was always known to have a kind and loving heart. Despite everything that came Amy's way, she was a fighter whose great attitude saw her through along with those who loved her by her side. Amy preferred concentrating on the joys in her life such as her loving husband and family, and the wonderful friends she came to know. Amy knew no bounds when it came to giving from the heart, and selfless in all ways, she loved completely at every opportunity. While some are given what seems to be a multitude of days, others are taken much too soon from love's embrace. Amy's days were few in comparison, yet her memory lives on in the hearts of many. The decade of the seventies was a turning point in the culture of America. Improved technology and the sophistication of household goods offered greater freedom and saved time. While lava lamps, big bell jeans and mod styles were all the rage, the eight track player was a step up from vinyl records, and punk rock made its introduction into the music scene. In 1976, while the nation celebrated the U.S. Bicentennial, Michael and Janet (Nelson) Wood celebrated the New Year with the birth of their little girl, Amy Joy. Born in Kalamazoo, Michigan on January 5, 1976, it was an exciting day altogether for her parents. Her mother went to the hospital early that January morning at midnight, and by 7:15 Amy made her debut. But much to their surprise, Amy's twin sister, Michael was born promptly thereafter at 7:18. Since ultrasounds were not common and she was seven weeks from her due date, it was a joy filled day indeed. After Amy and Michael were born they later had a brother that was added named Mike, from their father's marriage at a later date . Amy's father sadly passed away when Amy and Michael were three years old. In the early 80's Amy's mom married Don Doorn who loved Amy and Michael, and they added a daughter of their own, Deanne. Her family made their home in Portage and attending Portage schools. While Amy seemed like a typical little girl, a kidney disease plagued her young life. During her younger years she did play in the South Portage Little League. In the third grade she underwent her first kidney transplant, and a regular at the University of Michigan hospitals, she went through three transplants in her lifetime. Her last transplant took place in 1995 when she thankfully received one of her twin sister's kidneys. While she would have graduated from Portage Central High School in 1994, she did so in 1995 due to the time she needed to makeup from her health issues. In high school she played in the Portage Central Marching Band. After Amy received her sister's kidney in 1995, she went on to experience ten really good years. She lived life to the fullest, and enjoyed every minute of it. Even though she eventually had to return to dialysis, Amy took it all in stride, despite her disappointment. Through the years, Amy's positive outlook and easygoing nature made these times bearable, not only for her, but for her family, as well. She carried on with life the best way she knew how with the loving support of family and good friends. It was through some friends that Amy came to know and love Steve Bartolameolli. The two dated for seven years and were happily married on August 8, 2005 in Las Vegas. When Steve proposed to Amy, he said,"We might as well", and from there they lovingly became husband and wife! Amy was a great cook by way of winging it. However, if she cooked by following the directions, it never quite turned out! Some of Amy's hobbies included playing Pokemon Go when it was popular and Candy Crush on the internet. Always up for the casino, she and Steve frequented Las Vegas when they could until her health required additional support. A most memorable time for Amy and Steve included a three day cruise they enjoyed to the Bahamas. When it came to music, Amy loved the boy bands, especially New Kids on the Block. Amy proudly carried the title of "More Ti Ti" that was given to her by her nephew, Andrew. Her nieces and nephews: Andrew, Olivia, Jaxson, Logan, and Austin meant the world to her. Family was at the very heart of Amy. She loved them deeply, and she was very family oriented. Indian Lake was her happy place and loved spend time out there with her family. The holidays and other special occasions were some of the best times for Amy. She always considered her beloved canine companions to be a part of her family, too. She dearly loved her little Cockapoo, Pepper and it nearly broke Amy's heart when she died last November. Dini, her Yorkiepoo held another piece of Amy's heart. When reflecting on Amy's life, her kind and generous heart shone bright. She was a very understanding woman whose compassion knew no bounds. Her funny sense of humor made the worst of situations seem brighter, and her smile could light up a room. Amy's fighting spirit and determined, positive attitude was a comfort for all as she lived out the last of her days. A woman of strength, Amy lived and loved with a grace all her own. She will be deeply missed and remembered with joy for all that she was and continues to be in the hearts of many. Amy Joy Bartolameolli, of Three Rivers passed Sunday, April 22, 2018 at the age of 42. She is survived by her husband Steve; mother: Janet Doorn; siblings: Michael (Chris) Schoultz, of Scotts; Deanne (Jeremy Crabtree) Doorn, of Portage; Mike Wood, of Lake Isabella; sister-in-law: Tracey (Don) Kaminski, of IL; nieces and nephews Andrew, Olivia, Logan, Jaxson, and Austin. She is preceded in death by her fathers: Michael Wood and Don Doorn; grandparents and aunts and uncles. The family will receive friends on Thursday from 4-7 pm at the McCowen & Secord Family Funeral Homes, Rupert-Durham Chapel, 409 S. Main Vicksburg, MI (269-649-1697). A funeral service will be held Friday, 1:00 pm at the funeral home with burial at Boughton Cemetery. Please visit Amy's webpage at www.mccowensecord.com where you can sign her guestbook and share a memory. Those who wish may make contributions to the Kidney Foundation of Michigan.