Kathleen Bautista

Kathleen Schneider Bautista passed away in Modesto, CA on Mother's Day 2018. She was born on Nov. 5, 1922, the fifth of six children born to Anne Frances O'Hara and Alphonsus Ligouri Schneider. She grew up in Downingtown, PA and graduated with a Bachelors degree in art from Rosemont College in 1944. She went to work for the Pennsylvania Railroad.
Kathleen was introduced to her future husband Francisco Bautista by her brother Bill and sister-in-law Jackie Schneider. They married in 1951, and made their first home in Shreveport, LA, where Frank was stationed in the Air Force. They later moved to California, and settled in Atwater. They raised seven children, Mark, Andrea, Celine, Paula, Sean, Melanie and Lance, while Frank served at Castle Air Force Base.
Kathleen's faith, courage and strength were often tested in these years. As an Air Force wife, she single handedly ran the household. Frank survived an airplane crash in 1964, and recovered slowly. He earned a Masters degree at U. C. Santa Barbara, while Kathleen earned a teaching credential from Stanislaus State College and began her teaching career in the Winton School District. She encouraged students with her humor, praise, and good teaching for over twenty years as an elementary teacher.
Kathleen and Frank moved to Modesto and put their seven children through high school and college. The Bautista clan grew to embrace seven daughters- and sons-in-law, nine grandchildren and their four spouses, and eight great-grandchildren. She delighted in watching her grandchildren and great-grandchildren play.
Kathleen was creative and imaginative. She loved to sing. She loved to drive into the country and sketch landscapes. She was a master of the pastel and the paintbrush. In retirement, she loved to ramble with Frank across the USA and Canada. The Grand Canyon, Jackson Hole, and Lake Louise were three of her most beloved places. The word of God was her greatest treasure.
Viewing 4:00 PM, Rosary 5:00 PM, and visitation until 8:00 PM on May 23, 2018 at Franklin and Downs Funeral Home, 1050 McHenry Ave., Modesto. Funeral mass on May 24, 2018 at 9:30 AM, St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 1813 Oakdale Rd., Modesto, followed by a reception in the church hall. Burial at San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery, 32053 McCabe Rd., Santa Nella, at 2:00 PM. Friends are welcome to join in a celebration of Kathleen's life at the family home in Modesto afterwards. Donations to honor Kathleen may be made to St. Vincent de Paul, the Modesto Gospel Mission, or Catholic Charities.

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