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Katie Bashor Obituary
She taught PE at Fernbank Elementary School in DeKalb County. At the same time, Bashor, 59, was at the helm of the Central Night Shelter in Atlanta for several years. She was known for her generosity, compassion and big heart.
A Celebration of Life for Katie Bashor will be Saturday, April 23, 2016 at 11 a.m. at The Catholic Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, 48 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive NW, Atlanta. The Mass will be simulcast in the sanctuary of Central Presbyterian Church which is adjacent to the Shrine. A reception will follow in the courtyard and park on the Washington Street side of Central Presbyterian Church, weather-permitting, or indoors.
The Fernbank Elementary School community is helping plan the reception.
In lieu of flowers, people are encouraged to make a donation in Katie's memory to Ryan's Run, a run that raises money for the shelter and also shines a spotlight on mental illness. Bashor's son, Ryan Bashor committed suicide in August 2014 following a very private battle with bipolar disorder. He was 29.
Donations can also may dropped off at Fernbank Elementary School or mailed, 157 Heaton Park Drive, Atlanta, GA 30307 Attn: Katie Bashor Memorial Fund FOR Ryan's Run. Checks should be payable to Central Night Shelter.
Information about Ryan's Run
Information about Central Night Shelter
Read more on AJC.com
Funeral plans
Memories and Condolences
for Katie Bashor
62 Entries
Marlena Holt
September 21, 2017
My daughter is joining the middle school Girls on the Run club, thank you Coach.
She completed her first triathlon a month ago at age 11, thank you... thank you... for all you gave... the gifts that keep giving... Sincerely, Missy, mother of Marlena Holt
Cliff Davis
February 18, 2017
This morning I started making plans for my first volunteer night at CNS. As I went to the website to get my instructions I was saddened to learn of Katie's untimely passing. Her sincere love and affection for the forgotten men and women in Atlanta touched my heart from the first time I met her.
It will be sad not to see her on Friday night as I have many times in the past. But it will be an honor to continue the ministry that was an integral part of her life.
Katie touched so many lives throughout Atlanta in so many ways. Please accept my sincere condolences and prayers.
July 31, 2016
MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES TO BASHOR FAMILY AND FRIENDS
G Y
May 8, 2016
Especially remembering KB on this Mother's
Day. Katie was the mother of two of the finest children we have known. Katie was also "mother", at times, to many homeless men and, I am sure, women of Atlanta.
One of my fondest memories of my many years volunteering at CNS was the night I arrived to open the doors and found a whole lot of really excited homeless guests waiting. The excitement was caused by the fact that Atlanta Falcons football player Dion Sanders had just visited the shelter. The really big news was that after the visit, Katie was given a ride in the Dion limo because he wanted to hear more of the work of the shelter. The waiting guests were so excited they could barely contain themselves.
Our thoughts are with you Mark, Jessie, Cathal, Rachael, and Dee. Rest in Heaven KB.
TC Frandsen
April 30, 2016
I met Katie when I became a volunteer at the men's homeless shelter through All Saints Catholic Church. I feel privileged to have known her. When Katie looks over heaven's balcony, she'll see how many people love and miss her. Rest in peace, sweet Friend.
April 25, 2016
I taught 12 years at Fernbank Elementary School. I can not imagine the school running without her. I know the community cried about her death. I pray her family peace. Always and forever. Love, Mrs. L. B. King
Valerie Strenk
April 23, 2016
Katie, such a fine person who could always make me laugh. Being with her was truly a delight. She will be sorely missed forever in our hearts.
Val and George Strenk
St. George Island, FL
Natasha Gainey
April 21, 2016
Such a beautiful woman in every way -- she exemplified a life well lived in her humor, grace, and charity. She will be sorely missed.
April 18, 2016
To Mark and Jessie especially, I joined Facebook yesterday on a whim that I would finally get into the 21st century. Danny Ingram sent me what looks like a copy of what he might have posted on this site. Since opening that around 4:45, I've just prayed for you and all your family. Mary K. taught me how difficult sudden deaths can be, and I've experienced plenty of them but not of the proportion of these that you are surviving. No one can imagine what you feel, but we can pray. I have prayed for all of your family ever since Ryan died--every night. All I can tell you is that I will continue. e.e. cummings wrote: "i carry your heart with me I carry it in my heart." I treasured my years at the Shrine and will absolutely hold you in prayer. -Flo Walsh
C L
April 18, 2016
Please accept my condolences on your loss. May your memories comfort your heart; and God help your family during this time of sorrow. Isa.41:13
The Webbs
April 18, 2016
With deepest sympathy to the family. While we are no longer at Fernbank, both of my children were deeply saddened when I broke the news. Mrs. Bashor was a kind soul, who will be sorely missed. Prayers to the family during this difficult time.
carol wojciechowski
April 17, 2016
Katie was a person whom I truly admired. She possessed all the desirable traits of a good christian, wife, mother, teacher and friend. Her influence on me will always be a part of my life. I loved her dearly and will miss her, especially at SGI where she and our group enjoyed the water and beach and had fun times. My prayers are for Mark, Jessie, Cathal, and all her wonderful relatives. My sympathy and love to all.
Lynn Pasqualetti
April 17, 2016
Dearest Mark, Jessie Cathal and family,
I am still in shock over the death of dear Katie. She truly exemplified the spirit of what we were asked to do as human beings here on earth. She feed the homeless, helped the sick and infirm, gave her all to those with less than she had, educated our children, loved everyone she came in contact with no matter their lot in life and she was an amazing wife, mother, grandmother and friend. The loss of Katie's presence here on earth will be felt by many for so long. Know you are all in my thoughts and prayers as you travel yet another very difficult road. In time, may all your memories sustain you. Much love to you all.
April 16, 2016
Doctor Mark, whom I have always known as Dr.Bob, & family:
The first time I met Katie, at maybe one or two, she arrived in Ludlow, Vermont from Colorado and I drove her and Libby to New Hampshire to meet the Italian side of the Irish Wolcotts and the Nealons. Little did I know that 16 years and many miles later, she would be our best employee at The Fairmont in Rutland, Vermont. And then Doctor Mark took her to Atlanta where she became the wonderful mother, teacher and humanitarian she was meant to be. RIP Katie with Uncle Buck and Ryan
The Valentes
Charlotte, NC
Glenda Cowart
April 16, 2016
Mark, Condolences to you and your family on the loss of Katie. My thoughts are with you as are those of many friends from your CDC days.
April 16, 2016
May the Almighty God be your source of strength at this time of grief. Please accept my sympathy for your loss.
JW
Cynthia Fowler
April 16, 2016
May the God of comfort be with the family now and in the days ahead.
Calloway Family
April 16, 2016
Our sincere condolences to the Bashor family in the loss of your dear love one recently. May our prayers be as yours, that God provide his care and comfort you each day as needed. - Ps 145:18,19
April 15, 2016
My heart broke when I heard the news of her passing over my school's intercom. I am a former Ferbank student. I currently encountered her while helping at the Central Night Shelter. I am deeply saddened by this news. Mrs. Bashor was a great soul to meet in my lifetime. May she rest in Heaven.
-Anna Tran; Former Fernbank student
Stacey Voogd
April 15, 2016
My deepest sympathy for Mark, Jessie, and the rest of the family. Katie was an inspirational light as a fellow teacher, mother, and disciple. Praying for comfort and peace for you.
Eric Drummond
April 15, 2016
I had the pleasure of getting to know Katie over the past three yrs being an overnight volunteer at the Shelter. Just two weeks ago she recanted the whole story of departing for the airport for the trip to the White House with the Choir. Right when they were ready to head to airport, Katie found out that one of our guests who was in the Choir mismanaged his meds and was in Grady Hospital. Rather than write it off as an unfortunate situation (as most people would do), Katie ran over to Grady and performed another Katie minor miracle getting this person out bypassing all the paperwork just to make sure he did not miss this once-in-a-lifetime event. She was relentless and focused when it came to her guests and could not imagine going without him! Just one small microcosm of this amazing lady... Her spirit will live on for decades to come.
April 15, 2016
My condolences and prayers are with you and your family.
April 15, 2016
Sincere sympathy to the Bashor family and the Fernbank Elem. family. The loving memories you share will sustain you during this difficult time. Isaian 25:8
LBD, DeKalb Teacher Retired
Barbara Exley
April 15, 2016
Mark & Jessie & all the family: sending our love, prayers & sympathy. The world is a bit dimmer without Katie. She was & is a hero, a bold & faithful giving soul. All of us who knew her were challenged to be better by the way she lived her life. Our hearts ache.
Rita Beckford
April 14, 2016
What a beautiful spirit ! Peace to all her loved ones and friends during this difficult time. My prayers are with you all
Dorothy Upshaw
April 14, 2016
So sadden to hear this news. I'm a nanny for one of the students that attend Fernbank. Ms. Bashor has always been nothing but couteous. She will be greatly missed - a gem gone to soon. My prayers are with all of those connected.
Dorothy Upshaw
April 14, 2016
Mark, Jessie and family,
Our hearts break every time we think about Katie. All we can offer are prayers of comfort and peace.
Rick and Helen Sakaske - The Shrine
April 14, 2016
Offering my sincere condolences, but God will soon swallow up death forever @ Isa25:8.
CW Forest Park GA.
Clay Westfall
April 14, 2016
I have known Coach Bashor for a few years now, as a parent of three Fernbank students. She was always the go to person for anything I needed, and was always helping the children whom she had a love for. She was a wonderful person, and giving, Godly woman. She will be missed and thought of very fondly for many years to come. Rest in peace, Coach Bashor... well done.
jason m
April 13, 2016
I had the great pleasure to know Katie through my times spent volunteering at the shelter via my parish (All Saints in Dunwoody). What a kind, loving presence to have around and to witness her over-sized heart. I will definitely miss seeing you there....all my deepest sympathies to the family. God's speed Katie.
Jason M.
Ann Jarrosak
April 13, 2016
Katie's dear family, I lived across the street on Cleveland Ave. We walked to school together and shared lots of important info. I have been thrilled to contact her on line and see the wonderful life she created!!! I am SO sorry for this terrible loss!!! My prayers are with you all.
Jennifer Jones
April 13, 2016
I feel so blessed to have volunteered with Peachtree City United Methodist Church on Easter Sunday at CNS. Katie hugged me and thanked me for coming to serve on a day that was hard to fill.
We talked about Ryan and her upcoming trip to Oregon.
I will always be grateful for her example of strong yet unconditional love. Her light will now shine even brighter and forever.
April 13, 2016
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Betsy Podriznik
April 13, 2016
Dear Mark, Jesse and family. A shock to read Sue's email about Katie, such an alive spirit and wonderful person. As someone else wrote - "God must really need her for another job". I, like so many others, will truly miss her. May prayers are with you and your family as you move through this unbelievably difficult time. Love to all....
Julie Budnik
April 13, 2016
There are no words to truly describe what Katie meant to the communities she touched. My family was blessed to know her through Fernbank and for that we will always be thankful. I am going to think of her in the arms of her beautiful son Ryan. Rest in peace beautiful soul.
Fernbank Parent
April 13, 2016
Katie was a magnificent person. She and I knew each other essentially only in passing at Fernbank until we started talking about issues we faced in our lives in casual conversation one day. From there, we checked in with each other regularly to share experiences, complain and compare our approaches to what we faced. She listened a lot more than me and I am sure I benefitted from our exchanges much more than Katie. I cannot find the words to express how much it meant to me for her to put aside her troubles and listen to mine. I am terribly sorry that she has moved on at such an early age.
Jean & James Hudgins
April 13, 2016
To the Bashor family: May your heart and soul find peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Windell Bradford
April 13, 2016
Mark, I am so sorry to hear about this. She was a wonderful person, and from her story and people's condolences, she was adored and respected by many people. Thinking about you and the family.
Kathie Manning
April 13, 2016
No words! My prayers are with Katie's family and the Community she was such an integral part of. May God give you the peace and comfort that only He can give during this time. RIP Katie, you will surely be missed!
Donald Bartenstein
April 13, 2016
RIP Katie. Our world was a better place for you being in it.
Shelia Johnson-Reese
April 13, 2016
I don't know Katie, but as an employee of DeKalb schools I am so proud to know that we have teachers like her. I know that her school family will truly miss her, but I know her family will find comfort in knowing that she is loved by so many.
Frank Farrell
April 13, 2016
My wife and I were shocked to learn of Katie's passing. She will be sorely missed in her service to the least of her brethren. Our only consolation is that she is now in her heavenly home. We will never forget her. What a wonderful lady and example for all of us!
Denise Garlow
April 13, 2016
Dear Bashor Family,
Katie was an anchor to all those who surrounded her. She ran through life with such energy and goodness trailing behind her that it was pure joy to watch. I wish your family solace during this sad time. Her good deeds will live on through the community, motivated by memories of her deep commitment, compassion and gracefully gentle smile. God Bless.
Danny Ingram
April 13, 2016
Katie will be remembered as an incredibly generous, courageous, and strong person by everyone who knew her. She was a great inspiration in my life and I will miss her handing me the sacred cup every time I go to communion. It is because of Katie's work of compassionate service that I have remained a member of the Catholic community. Her work brought the love of God to reality in the lives of so many people. I am deeply grateful for her wonderful life.
Tom Gordineer
April 13, 2016
A Saint! God bless.
DJ & Tom
Catherine (Cathy) Hines (Johnson
April 13, 2016
To the Bashor family. May God give you the comfort and strength you need to get you through this very trying time. I will keep you in my prayers. I worked for many years with Dr. Bashor at ATSDR. God Bless
Fernbank Parent
April 13, 2016
Was just talking to her a few months ago at Fernbank and she told me about bringing the men back from the White House and how she was concerned about the shock of returning to the shelter after that trip. But she related that they seemed to handle it just fine, in fact, one greeted her the next time he saw her saying "We had ourselves a TIME, didn't we?" I really loved how she told that story and how she was thinking about these guys...I'm so sorry she is gone, but I am glad that she had herself a time here while she was with us.
April 13, 2016
My heart goes out to Katie's whole family.
I did not know Katie but from reading about her she sounds like a wonderful person and friend to all. I am sure she is resting in the arms of God and it is such a blessing to know that. I am a friend and past co-worker of her sister Dee. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.
God Bless,
Lynn Hester
Barbara McClure
April 13, 2016
I will cherish your memory forever. God must need you for a special project in Heaven. His perpetual light will shine upon you eternally.
Matt Lammers
April 13, 2016
I am in shock, she was one who inspired me to be better and showed how to raise an engaged family. My prayers and love.
Kathy Masters
April 13, 2016
I only met Katie once at the shelter but I have been helping out for several years. She was so warm and genuine it was clear why the shelter has always been well attended with volunteers. I have a hole in my heart with her loss but it makes me want to fill that hole with more good works like she would have done.
caw
April 13, 2016
I'm very sorry to hear of the passing of your love one Katie. May you find peace and comfort in the God of all comfort.
Patty Iafelice
April 12, 2016
I had just hugged and talked to her on Easter Sunday and the last day of the shelter season while I was serving. She was excited to be going to see her grand kids. Showed me pictures. Prayers for the family and everyone that grew to love her and her wonderful heart. I am blessed to have been able to be a small part. I will never forget her kindness and understanding to me. She hugged me the first day I met her at the 5k race. A stranger. I have never met a more special person. She has inspired me to give more. I will never forget her kindness.
Bill, Charlotte Gillam
April 12, 2016
Mark, Jessie, & family
We were shocked to hear about our beautiful Katie. She will be missed, but I will always have great memories of growing up in Rutland, Vermont. When the Wolcotts and Gillams came together it was a major event, and I cherish those times. I remember a time during high school years, when Katie worried about the future and she feared she would not amount to anything, I knew better. her life became a beacon of hope and love for others. I am very proud of her and her great calling. Although we can't be with you while you remember your loved one, you're in our thoughts and prayers. May God bless you and your family. Lots of love from one of your Vermont family.
Pat J
April 12, 2016
With deepest sympathies to the Bashor family.
April 12, 2016
Such a gifted and perpetually giving individual. So fortunate to have known you, Katie. God bless to you and your family. I'm sure, even now, you're sheltering all of the new arrivals in heaven. Gerry Berg - All Saints Catholic Church
April 12, 2016
Katie will be truly missed. I am a friend an past co-worker with Dee her dear Sister who is in shock. RIP Katie
Lavonne Randall
Cindy Lacy
April 12, 2016
Mark, Jessie, & family: Words can never express my shock and dismay at the news of Katie's passing. I am so very sorry for this heartbreaking loss to you and so many others. My family and I extend our heartfelt sympathy. Katie was such an inspiration to so many in the Atlanta area communities and a true ambassador along with you, Mark, to the homeless. God bless you..
Jackie Kennel
April 12, 2016
You will be missed.
Russell Tucker
April 12, 2016
Such a shock! My condolences and prayers for the family and the HUGE community that Katie touched each and every day. God has a plan.
Gerry Yandel
April 12, 2016
Rest in Peace,KB. Now Heaven has another
Angel with many jewels in her crown.
- GY and Linda
Ivy Leader
April 12, 2016
Thank you, Katie, for all your service to our community and beyond. Thank you for a life well live. Wishing peace for your family and all who knew you.
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