Dr. Kathleen A. Szautner, 84, of Bethlehem died Friday, May 22, 2026, at Northampton Post Acute, Easton. She was the wife of the late Johann Szautner who died Jan. 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 Ph.D. from Bryn Mawr College. She shared her passion for education as a professor at 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 cherished her family, friends, and a variety of beloved animals that filled her life with joy especially her dogs Blackie, Othello and Aslan.

In addition to her husband, her survivors include daughter Tanja (Matthew) Vaneman of Perkasie; a son, Christian (Michelle) Szautner of Ambler; grandchildren Zachary, Joshua, Mikaela and Andreas. She was predeceased by a sister, Annette O’Donnell.

Services were held June 5, 2026, at Saints Simon and Jude Church, Bethlehem, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Bath. Online condolences may be offered www.connellfuneral.com

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

Arrangements were made by Connell Funeral Home.