Longtime Sardinia Resident Mary Kathryn Dies at 97

Mary Kathryn Bachman was a pillar of the Sardinia community, serving her church and schools for decades.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Mary Kathryn Bachman, a lifelong resident of Sardinia, Ohio, passed away on January 2, 2026 at the age of 97. Bachman was a graduate of Sardinia High School and Miami University, and spent her career as a business education teacher at local schools. She was deeply involved in the Sardinia Methodist Church, serving in numerous roles over the years. Bachman was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, John Howard Bachman, and is survived by her two sons and several grandchildren.

Why it matters

Mary Kathryn Bachman's passing marks the end of an era for the tight-knit community of Sardinia, where she was a beloved and respected figure for decades. Her lifelong commitment to education, her church, and her community left a lasting impact on generations of Sardinia residents.

The details

After graduating from Miami University, Bachman taught business education at Sardinia High School and later Fayetteville High School. In addition to her teaching duties, she served in various roles at the Sardinia Methodist Church, including youth leader, pianist, organist, vocalist, Sunday School teacher, W.S.C.S. president, and financial secretary. Bachman was also a member of the Sardinia Historical Society, Ohio Retired Teachers Association, and United Methodist Women.

  • Mary Kathryn Bachman was born on April 21, 1928 in Portsmouth, Ohio.
  • She graduated from Sardinia High School as valedictorian in 1945.
  • Bachman graduated from Miami University in 1949 with a B.S. in Secretarial Studies.
  • She married John Howard Bachman on February 23, 1951.
  • Mary Kathryn Bachman passed away on January 2, 2026 at Clermont Mercy Hospital.

The players

Mary Kathryn Bachman

A lifelong resident of Sardinia, Ohio who dedicated her life to education, her church, and her community.

John Howard Bachman

Mary Kathryn's husband of 61 years, who passed away in 2012.

Florence Lawson Christopher

Mary Kathryn's late mother.

Annis Irene (Dunn) Weisbrodt

Mary Kathryn's late father.

Dick Weisbrodt

Mary Kathryn's late brother, who was also known as Col. C.R. Weisbrodt (Ret.).

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What they’re saying

“Mary Kathryn was a pillar of the Sardinia community, and her passing marks the end of an era for our town.”

— Bonnie Corboy, Sardinia United Methodist Women (Ripley Bee)

The takeaway

Mary Kathryn Bachman's lifelong dedication to education, her church, and her community left an indelible mark on Sardinia, Ohio. Her unwavering commitment to service and her deep roots in the town serve as an inspiring example of how one person can make a lasting difference in a small community.