Joanne (Yanak) Baillie

Joanne, 68, passed away on August 15, 2019, after a brief but intense battle with cancer. A lifelong Philadelphian, Joanne is survived by her husband of 43 years, Joe; daughter Colleen; son Brian; daughter-in-law Katie; and grandsons Eamon and Henry. Joanne was the eldest of nine children; her surviving siblings are Mitchell, Miriam (McMullen), Charles, Geraldine (Melone), Eileen (Falchetta), and Francis. She also leaves behind many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins, as well as her aunt Joan Santangelo and uncle Brother Emery Mollenhauer. She was predeceased by her parents Mitchell and Marian and her sisters Patricia and Bernadette. 

One of the first women to graduate from LaSalle University, Joanne devoted her professional life to elementary education, predominantly in Catholic schools. Thirty years of her career were spent at Norwood-Fontbonne Academy in Chestnut Hill, where she taught English and language arts and also served as director of admissions. Joanne’s investment in her students extended past the academic realm. She maintained lasting relationships beyond the classroom. 

Joanne enjoyed a vibrant social life with treasured friends. She also cherished her daily walks alone in the Wissahickon. She was a voracious reader, theater-goer, traveler, gardener, and lover of nature. She and Joe traveled across the globe and had a deep love for France, Spain, and Portugal in particular. 

Above all else, Joanne took great pride in her home and her family, taking meticulous care of both. Her happiest years were spent as Nana to her beloved twin grandsons. 

Friends and family are invited to a visitation starting at 10am followed by a celebration of  Joanne's life on Friday, August 23 at the Chestnut Hill Friends Meeting, 20 E. Mermaid Lane, Philadelphia, PA 19118. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joanne’s name to the Friends of the Wissahickon, 40 W Evergreen Avenue Suite 108, Philadelphia, PA 19118; www.fow.org.

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