Kathleen Bachtel

KATHLEEN MARIE BACHTEL (née O'Toole) age 76, beloved wife of Lawrence for 53 years; loving mother of MaryBeth Serrano (husband Marco), Matthew (wife Jen), and Maureen Soeder (husband Nick); devoted grandmother of Liam and Finn Serrano, Kaitlyn, Tyler and Allie Bachtel, and Maggie, Emily and Erin Soeder; cherished daughter of the late Michael and Betsy (née Howell) O'Toole; dearest cousin to many including Marilyn McDonough, who was like a sister to her, and doting grandma to her grand-dogs Aidan, Fiona, and Coby.

Kathleen was born on June 11, 1950, in Cleveland, Ohio, and remained a lifelong resident of the area. Growing up in South Euclid, she attended St. Gregory the Great and graduated from Regina High School in 1968. Kathy continued her education at Bowling Green University before finishing her tenure at John Carroll University, where she not only earned her bachelor's degree, but met the love of her life, Larry. They met while donating blood on campus and the rest was history. With a natural love for reading, Kathy began working for the libraries while attending John Carroll and established a career in the field before retiring from Orange County Library.

With devotion to her husband and family, she was passionate about being a wife, mother, and Grammie. She was the biggest fan and supporter of all the sports, Irish dancing and every activity of her kids and grandkids. Creating a safe and loving home for her family was a priority, while she also enjoyed life with her fur companions like Pal and Riley.

Kathy and Larry's marriage was built on love, compassion, and joy. Together, they built a family and raised children that she was able to pass down her love of reading with and demonstrate her devotion to her Irish heritage.

Kathy was actively involved in her longstanding Book Club, Lunch Bunch, the East Side Irish American Club and their drill team and enjoyed Ceili dancing with her husband any chance she could. Spending time with Larry was time well spent, whether they were dancing, hanging out at the beach, listening to Irish music (No Strangers Here and the East Side Irish American Club Bagpipe band) or playing racquetball, Kathy was experiencing true happiness.

To say Kathy was a social butterfly would be an understatement. She knew no stranger. Her presence lit up a room, while her contagious laugh was recognized immediately and everyone joined in with the feeling of joy. The friendships she built over her life remained intact from grade school to this day, and the communities she touched are endless.

October 30, 2026, the closing line to Kathleen Bachtel's last chapter, in the amazing story of her life, was etched in time. Though her absence leaves an undeniable void in the lives of those she loved, her presence remains in the everyday moments. She remains in the pages of your favorite novel, in the rising and setting sun of a lake shore, and on the sidelines of your life.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Kathleen to the Alzheimer's Association .

Mass of Christian Burial Monday, November 9, 2026, at St. Dominic Catholic Church, 3450 Norwood Rd, Shaker Heights, OH 44122, at 10AM.

A private burial will take place at a later date.

Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Kathleen at THE DeJOHN-FLYNN-MYLOTT FUNERAL HOME OF SOUTH EUCLID, 4600 MAYFIELD RD. (just east of Green Rd.) SUNDAY 2-6PM.