Known as Meg to most, Margaret Ann Bachtel, age 69, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, April 8, 2021. A California transplant, Meg relocated to Stratford, CT, in 1984. Having never made her peace with New England winters, Meg retreated to the beach as often as possible and in as many different locations as she could manage.
Meg enjoyed a rewarding and ground-breaking career, culminating as the Director of Market Research for a large marketing firm. She spent decades advocating for LGBTQ and women’s rights including serving as a leading advocate of the Same Sex Co-Parent Adoption legislation, a celebrated founding member of the Triangle Community Center in Norwalk, and an active member of the Stratford DTC. Meg’s love of literature and community involvement led her to become a past president of the Stratford Library Board with a lifetime position, an organization she cherished and for which she worked tirelessly.
A self-proclaimed cat lady, Meg also volunteered with multiple organizations to transport, rehome, and provide love to all felines. She had a particularly soft spot for misfits and became mom to many over the decades.
Meg is survived by two families, the one she was born into and the one she made. She was a beloved and treasured member of both. Her kind heart, generous spirit, fierce mind, and sharp wit earned her friends and family everywhere. She will be remembered for the love she shared graciously and the passion with which she embraced life and encouraged others to do the same.
A gathering at the beach will be scheduled for later this year. For additional information or to share a message of condolence, visit www.wrmcdonaldfuneralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Meg’s honor to Stratford Cat Project, www.stratfordcatproject.org or Triangle Community Center, www.ctpridecenter.org.
