Ann Marie (Ameses) Barbolish

July 22, 1938 – April 21, 2026

In her passing on April 21, Ann Marie Barbolish managed to bring her far-flung family together for the first time in decades to recall how once intertwined lives, now scattered in the wind, still had the power to evoke tears, laughter and long forgotten memories. Relatives separated by time and distance often have problems with each other, but no one ever had a problem with Ann Marie.

Those who knew her - former colleagues, friends, and the many individuals who benefitted from her counseling - were deeply moved by her commitment, dedication and above all, her compassion, which could only come from someone who had walked in their shoes. As her obituary draft beautifully states, “Ann Marie found a way to transcend her own struggle and impart what she had learned along the way to individuals on similar paths.”

Her stoicism in the face of failing health was aimed at protecting those closest to her, as many visitors to her bedside were quick to affirm. Several had spoken to her on the phone but were unaware she was calling from the hospital because, “That’s just how she was.”

Born July 22, 1938, in Bayonne, N.J., to Walter and Ann Amses, Ann Marie attended local schools and graduated from Holy Family Academy, where she was an outstanding student, never having missed a day of high school.

Her career accomplishments were many. She served as an administrator in the Union County, N.J. Community Economic Development Act (CEDA) Program, Director of Addiction Recovery at Runnells Hospital in Berkeley Heights, and later as a paraprofessional in the Hollidaysburg School System and at Penn Mont Academy.

Ann Marie’s kindness extended not only to people but also to the animals she adored. Her faithful dog, Foster, remained a constant source of comfort, rarely leaving her side. She is now reunited with her beloved Rusty, who predeceased her, a thought that brings solace to those who knew how deeply she loved them both.

She is survived by her loving husband Frank; her children, Denise Campbell of Roselle, N.J., Dennis Campbell of Miami, Fla., Daniel Campbell of Mesa, Ariz., Donald Campbell (Robin) of Dallas, Texas and Michael (Tory) Barbolish; her granddaughter, Shay Barbolish of Newtown; and her brother, Walt (Helene) Amses of North Calais, Vt. She is also survived by her devoted dog, Foster, who brought her daily comfort and joy. She was preceded in death by her cherished dog, Rusty.

Friends will be received from 2 to 4 p.m. Thursday, April 30, 2026, at Sorge Funeral Home & Crematory Inc., Hollidaysburg, where a memorial service will immediately follow at 4pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Altoona Humane Society, honoring Ann Marie’s lifelong compassion for animals.

www.sorgefuneralhome.com

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