Katherine Bachelder

Katherine R Bachelder, 70, passed away on April 9, 2025, in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Katherine was born in Medford, Massachusetts on February 19, 1955.

Her passion for helping others was clear from the start. After earning her undergraduate degree from University of Massachusetts Amherst, she went on to pursue a Master's in Psychology at Boston University. Her early work with inner-city youth-offering counseling and courtroom advocacy-sparked her interest in law. That path led her to Northeastern University Law School, where she earned her Juris Doctor. While she was in law school, she continued to support families through psychological counseling.

In June of 1988, Katherine accepted a one-year judicial clerkship with the Alaska State Court System. Katherine and her husband, Franz Porteleki, packed up and moved north together-thinking they'd return to the East Coast when the year was up. What was meant to be a short-term adventure turned into something much bigger. Alaska quickly stole their hearts with its beauty and sense of community and they decided to make it home.

Katherine served as a public defender from 1989 to 1996, standing up for people who didn't always have someone in their corner. From there, she became a Magistrate Judge and Standing Master where she brought thoughtfulness, balance, and a grounded sense of fairness to the courtroom until 2007.

That year, she took a leap of faith and opened her own law practice focused on family law-a space where her compassion and sharp thinking could really shine. She retired in 2015, proud of the work she had done and the people she had helped along the way.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Katherine embraced life with joy and curiosity. In her younger years, she loved sailing (a skill she used to teach at a summer camp), hiking, and camping. Later, she found joy in singing and watercolor painting-her work was even featured in art shows. Katherine cherished traveling with family-especially trips to the beach-and in December 2021 fulfilled a long-held dream of returning to live near the ocean by settling in Myrtle Beach.

Katherine was a loving and devoted mom to her children, Ben and Annelise. She treasured time with them-whether it was a long chat on the phone, a meal shared around the table, or a walk along the beach. Her love and support were constant, and she took genuine pride and joy in their growth and accomplishments. No matter how far apart they were, she was always there with encouragement, a listening ear, and her warm, familiar laugh. Being their mom was one of the greatest joys of her life.

Katherine was one of the kindest, most loving souls. Her smile could light up a room, and her laugh had a way of pulling you in. She was beautiful, smart and had a sense of humor that could catch you off guard in the best way-always quick with a witty comment or perfectly timed joke. She was warm, loving, and made everyone feel like they mattered.

She leaves behind her husband, Franz Porteleki of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; her son, Benjamin Porteleki, and his wife, Anastasiia Buriak of Fairbanks, Alaska; her daughter, Annelise Bachelder of Anchorage, Alaska; and her stepmother, Elaine Bachelder of Reading, Massachusetts. She is also survived by her sister, Susan Pierce, and her husband Steve; her brother, Robert Bachelder, and his wife, Marie; her stepbrother Craig Hall, and his wife Jodi; as well as several beloved nieces and nephews.

Katherine was predeceased by her father, Robert E. Bachelder; mother, Geraldine Bachelder; nephew, Matthew Pierce; and aunt, Marion Scaldini.

May Katherine's memory be a source of comfort and inspiration to everyone lucky enough to have known her.

Per her wishes, there will be no formal service. Those who wish to honor Katherine's memory are encouraged to carry out an act of kindness in her name.