Jo Ann Baldwin

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Eastern Illinois University

Jo Baldwin Obituary

Name: Service for Jo Ann Baldwin
Start: 2023-11-03T15:00:00.000Z
Location: Transfiguration of our Lord Savior Greek Orthodox Chapel, (located in Elmwood Cemetery

Jo Ann Baldwin, 72, of Waukegan, Illinois passed away peacefully last week. Jo Ann, affectionately known as Jo, was a beloved friend, daughter, sister, cousin, and aunt.

Jo was passionate about teaching and dedicated her career to educating young people at Lake Bluff Junior high from 1974 until her retirement in 2008.

Jo Ann's smile and enthusiasm for education made her a favorite among her students. Her closest friends were her fellow teachers, administrators who shared her passion for teaching.

She attended Eastern Illinois University, where she earned her Bachelor's, Master's, and completed further coursework in education. She also developed life long friends from her sorority, Alpha, Sigma, Alpha.

Jo embraced her Greek heritage and culture and was a lifelong member of St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Waukegan/Libertyville.

For 30 years Jo loved her part time work at The Initial Choice in Lake Forest.

In her spare time, Jo loved to travel with friends and family and was always ready for her next travel adventure. She enjoyed going to the theater, and concerts at Ravinia and in the city. She was an outstanding seamstress, crafter and loved to host dinner parties. Jo's positive outlook on life, her wit, and sense of humor endeared her to her students, younger members of the family and everyone who knew her.

Jo Ann is survived by her cousins, Ted Canelakes (Debra), Debbie Morel (Canelakes), John Dakajos (Debbie Martirano), Stephanie Aucunas (Dakajos) (Dan Aucunas), as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. She was preceded in death by her father, Douglas Baldwin, her mother, Mary Baldwin (Paras), her brother, Michael Baldwin (Debbie Barnes).

Burial and Service will be held on November 3, 2023 at 10:00, at Transfiguration of our Lord Savior Greek Orthodox Chapel, (located in Elmwood Cemetery) 2905 Thatcher Avenue, River Grove, Illinois 60171.

On Saturday, November 4th, her family will host a Celebration of Life at Quonset Pizza, 2602 Grand Avenue, Waukegan, Illinois 60085, from 12 to 3. We would love to welcome her friends and share stories over a slice of her favorite pizza at her favorite place.

In lieu of flowers, please send any donations to the Alzheimer's Association, www.alz.org, in tribute to Jo.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Chicago Tribune on Nov. 1, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Jo Baldwin

7 Entries

Karen (Kossack) Evans

November 4, 2023

I had Ms Baldwin in the mid 80´s for Home Ec. I learned to do basic cooking and some great tips I still use today! I sewed a small pig stuffed animal and a minidress that was awful but she made me feel like it was fabulous :) I became a teacher- social studies and art- and I truly appreciate how much goes in to being a great educator.

Susan Kleine

November 3, 2023

I have many fond memories of JoAnn and our years together at Lake Bluff Jr, High. Some of my favorite recipes I owe to Jo Ann. Both my girls enjoyed her as their teacher and learned many useful habits in the kitchen. My daughter Emily, worked with her while in high school at the Initial Choice.
The Kleine family sends their love and sympathy to JoAnn´s family and friends. Susan Kleine

Gayle Seldon

November 3, 2023

Jo Ann was a wonderful teacher for my three children at Lake Bluff Junior High. She then became my teacher and good friend when I joined her at The Initial Choice. We worked together for over 25 years. Her smile and sense of humor were always a delight. My family and I
have many fond memories and send our deepest sympathy.

Marcia Renick Botsford

November 3, 2023

I remember Jo Ann from when we were little, she grew up across the street from my grandparents. Sorry for your loss. RIP Jo Ann.

Kim Fiore

November 2, 2023

I had the pleasure working along side Jo Ann for many years at The Initial Choice . She always brought a sense of calm and joy to our work place. Many fond memories of shenanigans in the back room. Sending my deepest condolences to family and friends of Jo Ann.

Bonnie Helbling Pelissier

November 1, 2023

I am heart broken. Jo and I have been life long friends. Her family was like a second family to me. She came to see me in Maine in 2016 and we last saw each other around 2018 when she lived in Evanston. Our last boondoggle was going to Quonset Hut for pizza. We spoke on the phone and corresponded as long as we could. Jo, George and I love you. Rest in peace my dear friend.

John and Peggy Pann

November 1, 2023

Our sympathies to the family of Joann. I remember her as a loving and caring person. She was wonderful caring for Uncle Nick and Aunt Elsie. I am sorry we will be unable to travel to the burial service due to our age and unable to attend the memorial service on the 4 th due to a prior commitment ( an engagement party for our niece). It would have been nice to see all of you. It´s been a longtime. May her memory be eternal. John and Peggy Pann

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