JoAnn Lucille (Thorburn) Baillie

joann baillie

September 20, 1934 ~ October 23, 2015


Resided in: Pueblo, CO

JoAnn Lucille (Thorburn) Baillie, 1934 - 2015. Born and raised in Laramie, Wyo. by her outstanding mother, Henrietta Farney and a very supportive stepfather, Maurice Farney. She was a member of the National Honor Society and a homecoming queen candidate at Laramie High School. She began her teaching career at Green River, Wyo. upon receiving a teaching certificate after two years at the University of Wyoming. She married William 'Bill' Baillie in 1956. She continued her education during summers and via correspondence while teaching in Laramie to achieve her B.A. in 1957 while Bill was seeking his degree there also. She taught in Pullman, Wash., Grants and Albuquerque, N. M., before beginning a 30-year stint at the Denver Public Schools in 1962. While there she acquired a M.A. from Denver University. The couple retired to Pueblo West in 1994 before moving to Pueblo in 1998. She was an outstanding teacher. It's doubtful if any parent ever got a surprise on their child's report card because JoAnn set aside time every weekday at home after grading papers to call any parent where she perceived their help was needed to assist their child. And she'd call and praise them if she discerned they'd been helpful. She taught in grades first through third for 38 years. Many were the beneficiaries of her devotion to her task. She liked skiing, tennis, bicycling, and playing Bridge. A flawed knee eventually eliminated all except Bridge, but her real love was travel. Included were 17 trips to Europe, six of which were to France, other trips included Turkey, Brazil, Costa Rica, Mexico, Canada, Thailand, Australia - New Zealand, and 49 of the 50 states. In Pueblo she frequently tended the gift shop in the Rosemount Museum. Her really strong suit was a personality that exuded warmth and a sincere interest in people, and it yielded a portfolio of many, many friends that will miss her very much. She was preceded in death by her parents and by her sister, Gayle Halfpenny. Survived by her husband, Bill. There will be no viewing. Cremation, Montgomery & Steward Crematorium. Memorial service, 2 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29, 2015, in the Montgomery & Steward Chapel. Memorials may be made to Rosemount Museum in her memory. Online condolences, www.montgomerysteward.com

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  1. My sympathies for your loss. Here is some comfort:
    ‘Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out.’ďż˝
    John 5:28, 29

  2. Dear Bill,

    Jerry and I were very saddened to read (Laramie Boomerang) about JoAnn’s passing. She was a caring and loving person and will be missed! Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers and if there is ANYthing we can do, please do not hesitate to call!

    Carole and Jerry Johnson

  3. Dear Bill
    It is a testament to the love you shared, together since High School, and committed to each other in every way there is. JoAnn will be missed greatly as a warm presence in the neighborhood. Her smile and engaging friendliness served as a magnet to everyone she met and was a blessing to all of us she knew. I have so happy to have known her and am touched by her courage and grace.
    Sincerely
    Anna &(Mike) Rinaldo

  4. Brother Bill,
    It is with a very sad heart I extend condolences to you and your family. Having never met JoAnn, that I can remember, I read with great amazement her obituary and the wonderful life you shared with her. What a great blessing it must be to have had such a learned and intelligent wife. The more I read the more I could not help but recognize the beautiful tapestry that was your life together. Thus each in turn and at every change a balance and compliment to one another, painting a portrait of God’s love across the hearts of many. So often the extra effort, understanding and care of an educator is taken for granted in the moment. Then student is off to the next endeavor. But I can’t help but consider the impact of JoAnn’s passion must have had on so many young people. Bill on behalf of my wife Laura, I and your friends here at Elks Lodge #90 I must say we are very sorry for your loss. We are always here should you need anything.

    God bless you and your family.

    Art Birmingham
    Pueblo, Colorado


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