Dr. Maria K. Bachman, age 58, of Murfreesboro, passed away on Sunday, November
20, 2022. She was born on December 13, 1963 in Perth Amboy, New Jersey. She
attended George Washington University (B.A.), George Mason University (M.A.), and
The University of Tennessee Knoxville (Ph.D.). Dr. Bachman was a Professor of
English at Middle Tennessee State University and co-editor of the Victorians Institute
Journal. She also served on the Board of Trustees for the Dickens Society and was
President of The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi. In her scholarly pursuits, she
published six books and numerous critical articles on Victorian and Edwardian literature
and culture. Dr. Bachman also held a number of administrative posts throughout her
academic career at Middle Tennessee State University and Coastal Carolina University.
She was the recipient of numerous teaching awards, including top honors at Coastal
Carolina University, Alumna of the Year Award at George Mason University, and the
Carnegie Foundation’s South Carolina Professor of the Year.
Described by her family and friends as inspiring, generous, and equipped with a sharpwitted
sense of humor, Maria was someone who left indelible impressions on those who
knew her. In addition to her passions for reading, teaching, and mentoring, Maria was a
lifelong nature-lover — she could always discern the sublime in the trees, rocks, birds,
and flowers right outside her door. In her final days, Maria continued to speak about
helping others and loving nature. She was a bright light, come what may.
Maria is survived by her loving spouse Karman Gossett of Murfreesboro; brothers
Christopher Bachman (Elena) of Pearl River New York and Daniel Bachman (Maria
Elena) of Wall Township, NJ; and special friend, Cathy Balenovic of Pembroke Pines,
Florida.
Maria was preceded in death by her parents, Donald E. Bachman and Alberta T. Bielen
Bachman; and sister, Thea Rose Bachman.
A celebration of life will be held at a future date in Knoxville, TN. In lieu of flowers, the
family requests memorial gifts be made to the Maria K. Bachman Humanities
Collections Endowment with UTK Foundation Libraries https://www.lib.utk.edu
