Margaret Bachtel

Margaret Rose Bachtel 89, of Taos died peacefully on September 28, 2021 with daughter Dawn, son in law Gilles, grand daughters Lauren and Alicia at her side. She was born Margaret Rose Thornton in Brookfield MO in 1932. Her father was a career Army soldier who lived in military bases around the world so she lived with her grandparents in Brookfield for quite a bit of her childhood. One of her claims to fame was she was given the Dramatics award in high school and performed as the leading actress in several plays the school put on. Her teacher told her they’d expect to see her in Hollywood as a rising star. That was not her dream, however. She married her high school sweetheart Dail Bachtel in winter of 1950. They landed in Taos in 1951. Margaret often joked that she did head west but only got as far as Taos. Together, over 60 years they built their own dream.

Margaret became a mother of 4 which she was very good at. She was proud of her children and supported them in every way. They will all admit she was the best Mom ever! However in 1979 she created a new persona. She became "Grammie" to an eventual 9 grandchildren (+ spouses) and 6 great grandchildren. This was not only a role she excelled at but perfected. Being a grandmother completed her being and provided her a profound fulfillment for the rest of her life. Grammie's enjoyment from her grandchildren was immeasurable. She became their friend, confidant, and role model. The individual bonds she created with her grand kids and great grand kids are so strong they will never come apart. They will be cherished for all of their lives as well. With her vitality and zest for life, she inspired all of them in many different ways.

Margaret often remarked that she had been blessed to have done so many incredible things and traveled to so many wonderful places in her life. When Dail retired they went all over the US and Canada in their RV. She loved going to new and amazing places. Although she loved her Taos home she was perfectly comfortable anywhere in the RV.

Margaret made many life long friends along the way. Seeing so many of them pass on had been the hardest thing for her about growing older. Dail passed away in 2013 after a long illness.

Margaret knew they had many remarkable friends but during that hardship the magnitude and power of those friendships humbled her like nothing she had ever experienced. Those friendships are what has kept her going these last few years. She loved making her friends and family laugh and was often heard telling a joke she had just heard. Or, she would tell one of her favorites which even though they had heard it before always put a smile on their face. Her friends thought of her as the "life of the party" and remarked that she was so much fun to have around.

Margaret had many Margaret-isms. One of them was "If it is not one thing it's your Mother"!  Or if she saw a movie she didn’t like she would say "that is two hours I will never get back"! When times were not going well or as expected she would say "this too shall pass" or her most common "it is what it is"! She lost her son Chuck to cancer in 2015. That was a devastating loss but her belief was "what doesn't kill you will make you stronger"!  She held on to his memory the rest of her life and became stronger because of it.

Margaret is survived by her son Michael (Patty) Bachtel of Taos, daughter in law Bernadette Bachtel of Rio Rancho NM, son Douglas (Nancy) Bachtel of Taos, daughter Dawn (Gilles) Pumain of Chandler AZ, her nine grand children (and spouses) and six great grandchildren. Sure things in life are death, taxes, and if Grammie was around there would be a smile on your face. She will be forever in our hearts and eternally in our memories. "It is what it is" Grammie, may you rest in peace with all of your family and friends who have gone before you!

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Taos Volunteer Fire Department in her name.Cards/notes can be sent to Pumain Family - 5840 West Morelos Street, Chandler AZ 85226

A celebration of life to be held at a later date.