In Memoriam
Dorothy Cynthia Bartlett
Our dear button friend, Dorothy Cynthia Bartlett, passed away on December 16, 2024.
A born teacher, Cynthia Bartlett always looked for the best in everyone and tried to pass on credit to others. In 2017, beginning a two-year term as president of the New Jersey State Button Society, she agreed to serve “as a tribute to the individuals who have devoted so much time to encouraging me to grow.”
Though she had many daunting life challenges, she always rejoiced that she always had her hobby to turn to. A loyal member of the New Jersey State Button Society, and her local club (Central Jersey Buttoniers) she also belonged to the National Button Society.
Sonia Stout Force
Sonia Stout Force died on April 25, 2026 at age 94. After three decades as a teacher, Sonia co-founded – with her sister Carol Meszaros — the Central Jersey Buttoniers.
As president for 20 years, she began every meeting with a fun poem. With her sunny, positive approach, she mentored younger members and ensured the clubs success.
Her husband John, noted for his milk bottle collection, also collected buttons and helped host memorable club picnics. Her many hobbies also included antiquing, needlework, knitting, rug hooking, reading, quilting, square dancing, sewing, and collecting pie birds and jelly glasses.
Carol Stout Meszaros
Carol Stout Meszaros was a staunch supporter of button collecting in general and NJSBS in particular. With her sister, Sonia Force, Carol cofounded Central Jersey Buttoniers in 1986. For the state society, she was an at-large board director. She appreciated the craftsmanship of the older buttons and admired their beauty. She particularly loved how hunt club buttons reveal that different countries hunt with different hounds – fox hounds, beagle hounds, mink and otter hounds, blood hounds, and harrier hounds,
Carol had a supportive husband for her collecting endeavors, Bob. Bob and Carol visited antique shops together and were able to buy the stock of a retired dealer, Typically she spent seven to eight hours a week sorting and cleaning the buttons.
Her family – and her button friends – will continue to be inspired by her life.
Anita Beth O’Brien (nee Royal)
Anita Beth O’Brien (nee Royal), age 83, died on July 23, 2020 from Covid-19. A self-employed antique dealer, she was a loyal member of the South Jersey Charm Strings and the New Jersey State Button Society. She had an engaging smile and was always ready to volunteer her help at the show’s welcome desk.
Barbara Wolfgang
Barbara Wolfgang, a button artist from the Stonebridge Button Club and co-founder of the National Association of Private Geriatric Care Managers, died at age 90 on May 16, 2026.
Margot Zimmerman
Margot Zimmerman, a Stonebridge Button Club member who dedicated her career to family planning and public health, died at age 90 on January 8, 2026.