Kathleen Tischmacher

Richmondville- Kathleen M. Tischmacher, 71, went home to be with her Lord on Thursday, May 15, 2014 at Robinson-Terrace Adult Home in Stamford, NY after a long illness. Drawing her last breath in peace, she reunited with her father, Mahlon, mother, Alice, stepfather Melvin Sperbeck, sister, Rosemarie (Zeh) Kilts and a host of others before her.

Born November 2, 1942 in Summit, NY, she was the daughter of Mahlon and Alice (Becker) Zeh. She was a 1960 graduate of the former Richmondville Central School.

Kathleen would not pass up an opportunity to boast about her family and particularly her three children, Melvin (Amy) Terrell of Richmondville, N.Y., Melody Terrell Hathaway of Cobleskill, N.Y. and The Rev. Michael H. (Jennifer) Terrell of Canton, N.Y. Other surviving relatives include four grandchildren: Kasondra Pitt of Richmondville, N.Y., Michael M. Terrell of Richmondville, N.Y., and Willow and Noah Terrell of Canton, N.Y. and one great-grandchild, Winter Rose Decowski of Richmondville, N.Y. There are also many nieces and nephews, and cat, Harriet, who was a prized possession.

Other survivors include her brother Daniel (Phyllis) Zeh of Sun City, AZ and her uncle, Gerald (Brenda) Becker of Elliot, ME. She was predeceased by her sister, Rosemarie Kilts in 2007, and her parents.

Kathleen loved to bake & cook in "Kathy's Kitchen" as her kitchen at home was often referred to. She loved gathering at holidays and events and sharing food that she made - the whole family especially liked her chocolate drop cookies! She loved eating out when she could and frequented two favorite establishments - the Blue Ribbon Diner in Schenectady and the Travers Diner in Johnstown. She loved her oldies and country music, berry picking, eating ice cream, taking rides around the countryside and loved visiting with the Fisher Family, an Amish family she knew for over 20 years in Lancaster, PA.

She was a life-long member of the Richmondville United Methodist Church, where her son, Michael, was active and received his call to the ministry.

Kathleen was employed for 28 years as a school bus driver for Richmondville Central School where she also worked in the kitchen as needed. She often spoke of students on her bus who made an impact on her life, and two that she fondly remembered and enjoyed on her trips to Albany were Bobby and Cheryl. They brought joy to her every day.

As a school bus driver, Kathleen came up with the idea for pictures to be put on the side of school buses so young children who couldn't read could easily recognize their bus when the needed to get on the bus. Kathleen drove for many class trips, and served as a driver for many away games. Kathleen played the school witch for Halloween and the Easter Bunny for over 10 years.
Kathleen gave service to many organizations. She was a founding member of the Richmondville Volunteer Emergency Squad in 1979 and a long-time member of the Cobleskill Regional Hospital Ladies Auxiliary and the Richmondville Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary. When the firemen were out on calls late at night or early in the mornings, she was there preparing meals, as well as serving refreshments for their weekly Bingo games. She was also in charge of the game booth for the events held on Richmondville Day. Kathleen was involved with the Richmondville Little League Youth Organization and would cook food from their booth at the Cobleskill Sunshine Fair.

For those who knew Kathleen, she will be remembered for her kind spirit and her active caring nature. If there was anyone in need, whether she knew a person or not, she was there to give what she could. Living the Christian life, she was a humble servant to others.

Among many things, Kathleen will be remembered for the passion she held for her family and friends.

A Celebration of Kathleen's Life will be held at 6:00 PM on Saturday, May 24, 2014 at the Richmondville United Methodist Church, 268 Main Street, Richmondville, with the Rev. Jeffrey Smith officiating. Friends may visit with the family before the service from 5-6 PM at the church.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Animal Shelter of Schoharie Valley, P.O. Box 40, Howes Cave, NY 12092 and Disabled American Veterans, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301, or a charity of choice.

Arrangements through thoughtful care were made by Mereness-Putnam Funeral Home, 171 Elm St., Cobleskill.