Dr. Kathleen A. Szautner

Dr. Kathleen A. Szautner, 84, of Bethlehem passed away Friday, May 22, 2026 at Northampton Post Acute, Easton. She was the wife of the late Johann Szautner who died January 18, 2025. Kathleen was born in Bath, PA to the late Martin and Anna (Manning) Marshang. Dr. Szautner was a graduate of Chestnut Hill College and earned her PhD from Bryn Mawr College. She shared her passion for education as a professor at renowned institutions including Lehigh University, Lafayette College, and Moravian University. Her expertise spanned multiple languages, as she taught French, German, and Latin, and she fostered a deep appreciation for music among her students, imparting her talents in piano and guitar. Throughout her distinguished career, she received numerous poetry awards, reflecting her creativity and commitment to the arts.

Kathleen was a devoted wife and mother and very proud grandmother, she cherished her family, friends, and a variety of beloved animals that filled her life with joy especially her dogs Blackie, Othello and Aslan. A passionate traveler, Kathleen reveled in the Safari adventures she shared with her husband, experiencing the beauty of the Africa Safari multiple times. She and Johann also were wonderful hosts and talented cooks and greatly enjoyed hosting parties and events for their large circle of friends.

Survivors: daughter: Tanja (Matthew) Vaneman of Perkasie; son: Christian (Michelle) Szautner of Ambler; grandchildren: Zachary, Joshua, Mikaela, Andreas. She was predeceased by her sister: Annette O'Donnell.

Services: Friends and family are invited to her viewing from 10:30-11:15am Friday, June 5, 2026 at Saints Simon and Jude Church, 730 West Broad Street, Bethlehem followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30am. The interment will conclude services at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Bath. Online condolences may be offered www.connellfuneral.com

Contributions: In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, www.aspca.org