Maria Karsti Bachinger 1936-2025

She was born Jan. 14, 1936, in Waltersdorf, Transylvania, Romania.

At the age of 8, Maria, along with her siblings and mother, fled Waltersdorf during World War II, leaving their homeland behind. Over several weeks, they walked to the village of Eberschwang, Austria, where she lived for the next 10 years. During that time, Maria worked on various farms, helping her family survive. It was in Austria that she met the love of her life, Johann “Hans” Bachinger, at a local dance, and on March 3, 1956, Maria and Hans were married. Later that year, in August, they relocated to the United States to pursue the American dream.

Over the next several years, Maria and John worked on a farm in Alliance, while raising their young family. When John accepted a manufacturing job, they took the opportunity to move to Youngstown, where they continued to build their life together.

Determined to support her family, Maria became a cosmetologist. In 1969, she earned her state license and opened a successful home beauty shop, which she proudly operated until her retirement in 2015.

Maria was a devoted member of Honterus Evangelical Lutheran Church until it closed, after which she joined Bethel Lutheran Church, and faithfully attended Sunday services. She was a God-fearing woman who lived her life guided by her faith. Maria had a special way about her – caring deeply for everyone she met and practiced her faith in Jesus and God every day.

Maria was a lifelong member of the Youngstown Saxon Club, where she played a vital role in creating and nurturing the Youngstown Saxon Culture Group. She helped establish and develop the associated dance group and served as the director of the children’s dance program, where she proudly passed down the traditional ethnic dances of her Transylvanian Saxon heritage. An accomplished seamstress, Maria also created authentic cultural costumes, preserving the rich traditions of her homeland. In recognition of her dedication and lasting contributions, she was named Youngstown Saxon Club Woman of the Year in 2007.

Maria was also an accomplished bowler, competing in numerous leagues and state and local tournaments. In recognition of her achievements, she was inducted into the Youngstown Women’s Bowling Association Hall of Fame in 1997. When bowling became too difficult, Maria found a new way to stay active and competitive by becoming an accomplished bocce player in the Youngstown Saxon Club Women’s Bocce League, where she proudly won many championships.

Maria was a true inspiration to all who knew her. The life she built and the struggles she overcame truly embodied the American dream. Family and togetherness were always at the heart of Maria’s life, and she took great pride in the close bonds she nurtured. Her family is deeply proud of her achievements and the lasting legacy she leaves behind.

Maria is survived by her children, Michael Bachinger, Anna Keck and Robert (Susan) Bachinger; and her daughter-in-law, Marie Bachinger. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Michael (Amanda) Bachinger, Erik (Kathryn) Bachinger, Lee (Alaina) Keck, Adam (Sarah) Keck, Caitlan (Nick) Stathopoulos, Lauren (John) Mshar, Dana (Chris) Carlevale, Paul (Stephanie) Carone, Peter (Donna) Carone and Julie (James) Goode; and by her great-grandchildren, Lilliana and Rosalie Bachinger, Jak, Henry, Charlie and Harlow Keck, JR, Carson and Giuliana Mshar, Owen Bachinger, Alex and August Keck, Quinn and Benson Carlevale, and Ellie and Cal Stathopoulos. She is also survived by her sisters, Katie Benesch and Rose (Jack) Smith; her sister-in-law, Eva Karsti; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Maria was preceded in death by her parents, Katherina and Peter Karsti; her husband, John Bachinger; her son, John Bachinger; her brothers, Peter and Michael Karsti; her brothers-in-law, Franz and August Bachinger and George Benesch; and her sister-in-law, Lucinda Karsti.

Calling hours will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025, at Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Austintown Chapel.

A funeral service will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 19, 2025, at Bethel Lutheran Church in Boardman. Calling hours will take place before the service at the church, from 10 to 10:45 a.m.

Maria will be interred in Greenhaven Memorial Gardens.

To continue Maria’s legacy, the family requests that contributions be made in her honor to the Memorial and Celebration fund at the Saxon Club, 710 S. Meridian Road, Youngstown, OH 44509.

Condolences may be sent to Maria’s family by visiting www.higgins-reardon.com.

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