Caroline Bartos

A Tribute to My Mom

My beautiful mom, Caroline A. Bartos, passed away at the age of 92 on June 26th, 2026 — a day that will forever hold special meaning, as it was also her wedding anniversary. While my heart aches with missing her, I find comfort in believing that on that day, she was reunited with my dad, Albert, the love of her life.

Mom was so much more than my mother. She was my friend, my comfort, my steady place, and one of the greatest blessings of my life. She had the most beautiful smile and a heart full of kindness. She always seemed to have gentle words to offer, whether you needed encouragement, comfort, or simply someone to listen.

She was a strong woman — stronger than she ever needed to be at times. After my dad passed away, Mom spent many years on her own, facing life with courage, grace, and quiet determination. Even in the lonely seasons, she carried herself with strength and dignity. She kept going, kept loving, and kept giving of herself.

Mom shared her time and her talents freely, never asking for anything in return. Whether she was helping someone, offering advice, making someone feel welcome, or simply being present, Mom gave from the heart. She had a quiet way of making people feel loved.

Some of my most treasured memories were made around the family table. That is where stories were told, laughter was shared, wisdom was passed down, and love was always present. Mom had a way of turning ordinary moments into memories I will hold onto forever.

She loved her family deeply and enjoyed every moment spent with those she loved. She also had a very special place in her heart for dogs — and dogs had a special love for her, too. They seemed to know what we all knew: that she was gentle, warm, and safe.

Mom also loved playing poker and cribbage. She brought joy, humor, and a little bit of mischief to every game. Those moments of fun and laughter are memories I will always cherish.

The last four years of Mom’s life were spent living with dementia and all the challenges that came with it. Dementia may have changed parts of our journey, but it never changed the love between us. I visited her every night, and even when words became harder and days became more difficult, love was always there.

Every night when I left, I would tell her, “I love you.”
And she would answer, “I love you more.”

Then we would go back and forth, each of us insisting we loved the other the most. It became our precious little ritual — one of the sweetest gifts she gave me.

Mom, for all the years you said it first, I can finally say it now:

I love you more.

Mom was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Albert, and her daughter, Kathy (Steve Hooper) Bartos. She is survived by me, her daughter, Laine (Steve Mlekoday) Bartos, and her grandson, Jim Hooper, who will carry her love, her wisdom, and her memory with us always.

Mom, thank you for your love, your smile, your kindness, your wisdom, your strength, and your friendship. Thank you for sharing your life, your time, your talents, and your heart with us. You were deeply loved, and you will be missed more than words can ever say.

Your life was a gift.
Your love was our blessing.
And your memory will live in our hearts forever.

Visitation will be held on Friday, July 10, at Krause Funeral Home, 9000 West Capitol Drive, in Milwaukee, from 10:00 AM until the time of Service at 12:00 PM. Procession to Wisconsin Memorial Park to follow.

In lieu of flowers, family asks for memorial donations to made out to Wauwatosa Veterinarian Clinic.