[1] Bartleme was appointed a Cook County assistant judge in 1913 and began hearing court cases involving juveniles.

[4][5] She had three sisters and two brothers, and described her childhood as a time of pulling candy, tying quilts, singing French songs at night, and having fun as a young girl.

Bartelme spoke with lawyer Myra Bradwell and decided to pursue law after a singular visit.

In 1897, Mary Bartelme was appointed to be the Public Guardian of Cook County by Governor John Riley Tanner.

[7] Through her work, she became known across Illinois as a tireless advocate for children and her compassion for the young girls earned her the nickname "Mother Bartelme.

"[12] Because of her criticism of the handling of young boys and girls accused of crimes in the courtroom, Judge Merritt Pinckney recommended that a woman hear such cases and, in 1913, named Bartelme as an Assistant Judge in the Juvenile Court of Cook County.

All personnel in this closed court were female, which was felt to encourage a more open discussion of sexual and other private matters.

[1][6] This act earned Bartelme the nickname "Suitcase Mary" by numerous reporters and news outlets.

In California, she continued to do speaking engagements, discussing the need to improve the juvenile justice system.

[18] The school was able to accommodate more than 400 students, however, was eventually torn down sometime in the 1970s to make way for a senior citizen apartment home.

[18] Mary Bartelme Park, in the West Loop area of Chicago, is also named in her honor.