Kathryn E. Bartholomew

Kathryn Elizabeth Bartholomew

62, of Montour Falls, NY (also known as Katie, Kate, Cousin Kate and Ms. B) passed away at home Wednesday, September 23, 2026, after a brief illness, just 6 days shy of her 63rd birthday. Katie was a lifelong resident of Schuyler County.

Whilst her environmental advocacy was rooted here in the Finger Lakes, her impact reached far beyond our area. Kate was a fearless warrior for justice, especially when it came to protecting the natural world. For two decades she was a volunteer leader with the Sierra Club and for the past 8 years served as the chair of the Atlantic Chapter, managing the organization’s day-to-day environmental campaigns across New York State. Kate also served in many capacities within the national Sierra Club and was a forceful advocate for preserving the volunteer core and grassroots soul of the organization. She played a major leadership role in achieving NY’s fracking ban, fought tirelessly against the proliferation of nuclear energy and weaponry, and supported efforts to protect endangered species, wolves especially. Her background as a high school science teacher grounded her as an advocate both in the fastidious establishment of fact and the patience and diplomacy to build agreement among the most strident activists. By her own admission, Kate herself was a bit rough-around-the-edges and did not mince words when she felt passionate about an issue. It was that quality, along with her difficulty in saying “no” to any cause in need, that advanced her to many leadership positions. The void she leaves behind within the Sierra Club is immense, but it is assured that the bonds of friendship she forged through fierce compassion and advocacy will continue to resonate within the environmental advocacy community.

Although she had no children of her own, Ms. B leaves behind a large “pack” of students whose lives she touched as a science teacher both at Watkins Glen High School and the New Roots Charter School in Ithaca.

As a life-long learner she graduated from Watkins Glen High School, The Rugby School, Rugby England, Corning Community College, and Elmira College – earning both a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree. She incessantly read and investigated news of all things that caused or potentially could cause harm to the environment and living creatures. She was especially intrigued by the plight of the wolf.

Katie is survived by her partner, Gary Kline, cousins both locally and in Pennsylvania, plus extended family members. She was predeceased by her precious Tibetan mastiff, Serge, and her parents Lola and Charles Batholomew.

In lieu of flowers, to honor Kate’s memory, the family asks that you make a donation in her name to the Sierra Club Atlantic Chapter, PO Box 38225, Albany, NY 12203, The Humane Society of Schuyler County, 124 Marina Dr., Montour Falls, NY 14865, or another organization of your choice that honors nature. A memorial service will be held outside at “The Knoll”, Davis Farms, 5281 Peach Orchard Pt. Rd., Hector, NY, Friday, October 2, 2026 at 4 p.m. Meanwhile, please keep her memory alive by hugging your favorite animal and continue fiercely protecting this earth. Condolences and remembrances of Kate may be offered to the family in her guestbook online at www.RoyceChedzoy.com Arrangements entrusted to Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, Watkins Glen.