Kathryn Elizabeth Bartholomew, 62, of Montour Falls, NY passed away at her home in her sleep on Wednesday, September 23, 2026. She was a volunteer leader with the Sierra Club for two decades and for the past eight years was Chair of the Atlantic Chapter, managing the organization's day-to-day environmental campaigns across New York State. She also was active in the Sierra Club Finger Lakes Group, serving as the Group Conservation Chair and the Finger Lakes Delegate to the Atlantic Chapter. In her own words, "I have been actively engaged with the Finger Lakes Group Ex-Com since the day in 2007 when I accidentally stumbled upon a Finger Lakes Sierra Club meeting instead of the Schuyler County Environmental Management Council meeting. Within a few months, I found myself wearing the Vice Chair mantle and it's been a non-stop series of environmental assaults to confront ever since. And now we face the most monumental, existential crisis humanity has ever seen-most especially because of our part in creating it-so the moral demand to engage in this struggle becomes even more imperative-for the planet, for the future, for all life."
Kate was a lifelong resident of Schuyler County. She 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 New York's fracking ban, fought tirelessly against the proliferation of nuclear energy and weaponry, and supported efforts to protect endangered species, wolves especially. She served as a high school science teacher and was beloved by her students. By her own admission, Kate was a bit rough-around-the-edges and did not mince words when she felt passionate about an issue. She had no children of her own but has left behind a large "pack" of students whose lives she touched at both Watkins Glen High School and the New Roots Charter School in Ithaca.
She graduated from Watkins Glen High School, the Rugby School in Rugby, England, Corning Community College, and Elmira College. She earned bachelor's and master's degrees.
She 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 Bartholomew.
A memorial service was held on Friday, October 2 outdoors at The Knoll on Davis Farms in Hector. Over 100 people (and a low-swooping eagle) attended the event. Photos from her life were viewed on a large screen as family, colleagues, and friends shared their memories and feelings about Kate. Her life touched and positively influenced many people. Her family asks that in lieu of flowers, 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 Drive, Montour Falls, NY 14865, or another organization of your choice that honors nature. Condolences and remembrances of Kate may be offered to the family in her guestbook online at www.RoyceChedzoy.com.