Kathleen Marie Batchelor

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the unexpected passing of Kathleen M. Batchelor (Gwardinski), age 66, of Falmouth, Michigan. Surrounded by family, Kathy went home with God early on July 14, 2025. Born on August 21, 1958, Kathy was known for her warm spirit, remarkable selflessness, and her contagiously kind personality.

Thriving on serving others, Kathy was deeply devoted to her family and friends. Nothing was more important than those she cared for and she poured herself into taking care of others. Always providing a warm smile, a listening ear, patience beyond measure, and an ever-positive outlook in every scenario she was a person that people gravitated towards, confided in, and truly just enjoyed being around. Her laugh was recognizable rooms way. Her kindness was evident and also shone through in her love of animals. It was not uncommon for her to go very much out of her way to help innocent animals, be it pets or wildlife, where she could.

A phenomenal seamstress, Kathy worked at General Motors early in her career transitioning to avionics later in her career, even being a self-employed business owner in her trade before retirement. She was in high demand to deliver custom upholstery for high profile clients because of her quality work and her commitment to her craft. Kathy also channeled her creativity and attention to detail into many other projects and hobbies, from completing beauty school and taking unofficial hair appointments to cake decorating and making birthday or wedding cakes. She was always enriching the lives of those around her with her unique creations. There was not much that Kathy could not do if she put her mind to it. In her younger years she was an avid SCUBA diver exploring lakes, shipwrecks, and caves. Another example of her zest for life.

Recently retired, Kathy found joy in spending time with her partner Ted relaxing, cooking, gardening, boating and fishing on Lake Michigan, bird watching, keeping up with politics, and a plethora of other projects they always had ongoing. Kathy was immensely proud of her daughters. As children through adulthood, she has always been their 'rock' supporting them in every capacity possible. Kathy also enjoyed being a grandparent, or "Busia", to her grandchildren. Whether it be babysitting them, spoiling them with silly gifts, making them shaped pancakes, supporting them at sporting events, etc she loved it all. There will be a huge hole in the lives of her loved ones without her presence.

She will be deeply missed by her devoted partner Ted of 35 years; her loving daughters, Kayla (Brad) Kischnick and Serena (Adam) Hunt; the mother of her partner, Nathalie VanOost; her brother, Richard (Renee) Gwardinski; and the siblings of her partner, Darrell Baehre and Jill Warner. Her grandchildren, Raiden, Garrett, Foster, and the expected Baby Hunt, will forever have her in their hearts through memories shared. She was cherished by her extended family and friends, whom she also loved dearly. Kathy was preceded in death by her parents, Theodore and Shirley (Rushlow) Gwardinski.

Cremation has taken place and an open house style Celebration of Life is planned for Sunday, September 14 at Mountain View Country Club (3780 Maiden St, Waterford, MI 48329). Please stop in anytime between 1pm and 4pm to share your stories and help us remember Kathy and celebrate her life. Light food and beverages to be served.

"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever."

Psalm 23:1-6 ESV

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