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1918 - 2013

BORN

1918

DIED

2013

Jean Baughman Obituary

Jean Baughman November 10, 1918 - July 28, 2013 Born in Grand Junction, CO on November 10, 1918 to Sylvester and Gertrude Baughman, Jean's life on a typical farm was enriched by weekly piano lessons, an early indication of things to come. Depression years' circumstances led her parents to leave the family farm in Colorado and relocate to Vista, CA. She graduated from Oceanside-Carlsbad High School where she participated in chorus and orchestra as well as studying music theory. She attended Pasadena Junior College, received her B.A. in music from Pomona College in 1943. She earned her M.A. in music from Claremont University in 1945. Her first (and only) full time job began in 1945 as music teacher to all grades at Lakeside Union Elementary School District in the farm country southwest of Bakersfield. There, for nearly forty years, she taught the children of farm owners and laborers and showed them the magic of music through weekly classroom hours for the lower grades and participation in multi-grade choruses in the upper grades. There were individual piano and guitar lessons for the older students as well. Over the years Jean was the moving force behind the Sunday Children's Concerts that introduced hundreds of children throughout the community to the Kern Philharmonic Orchestra, predecessor of the Bakersfield Symphony. In 1976 she was one of the four finalists for California Teacher of the Year. She also was the driving force behind Kern County Young Audiences, even deep into her retirement. She was active in numerous organizations dedicated to education and the fine arts: Messiah Community Chorus, Kern Philharmonic Chorus, Kern County Music Association as member and officer, Kern Philharmonic Board of Directors, Auditions Committee for Starring Kern County Young Artists, Board member for Bakersfield Community Cultural Arts Commission, and Delta Kappa Gamma, Honorary Educational Society, member and office holder. Left to mourn her are her cousins, her many co-workers from over the years and the thousands of students whose lives were touched by her teaching. Jean, you are gone, but the good that you did lives on in the enriched lives of those who were fortunate to have learned through you to love music and all the fine arts, or participated in the projects and programs you fostered. Anyone who knew Jean knew that she loved nothing better than getting together with "old timers" from Lakeside. We invite all colleagues, students and friends of Jean to gather in her memory at Lakeside School Auditorium, 14535 Old River Rd., Saturday, August 17, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. Lunch will follow in the cafeteria, with David Barnard in charge of the barbecue. An RSVP would be greatly appreciated. E-mail Tamara Barnard-Robertson at [email protected] or call Phila Casey at 661-323-2482. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Lakeside Band fund. www.bakersfield.com/obits

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

Published by Bakersfield Californian from Aug. 3 to Aug. 4, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Jean Baughman

17 Entries

Patricia Martinez

July 28, 2021

Miss Baughman was a treasure!! I took piano lessons from her form 1st to 8th grade. I also would sometimes go to her apt in town for a lesson here and there...whch i thought was so cool!!! she always encouraged all students to get involved with music, lessons, choir and Honor Choir. She was very dedicated and tried to help those who had a hard time getting rides to rehearsals..be it parents or her giving rides. She was extremely knowledgeable and gifted with all to do with music. She had so much patience with us all..even if we werent that great at square dancing or learning "the Hustle" . LOL She definitely put the love for music of all kinds in my heart and inspired me to pursue it all my life. You are greatly missed and loved!!!

Patsy Templeton (Dickson)

August 16, 2013

Along with so many others, I was a piano student of Jean Baughman's. I continue to play to this day and wish I had practiced more when I was with her! It was always a special time when Miss Baughman came to our house to give piano lessons as she spent 20 min. with multiple students (brothers and sisters) and then would stay for dinner. Her infamous jello molds were always a treat. There were times when we would have lessons at her apartment "in town" and that was really special. I always thought her apt. was so cool and loved waiting for my turn because that meant I got to play the harpsichord while waiting for a sibling to finish a lesson. She would also orchestrate a family concert every few months during which time each of the siblings got to perform.
Jean Baughman was an amazing person, full of life and always ready to share her hearty laugh. I feel blessed to have so many delightful memories of Jean. She will always have a special place in my heart --

Jessica Horner

August 15, 2013

Lots of good memories come to my mind when I think of Mrs. Baughman! What a wonderful life to have touched so many lives :)

Lewis & Kay Marquez

August 14, 2013

I've always appreciated and admired the commitment of educators like Miss Baughman. They are a rare jewel! Our daughter attended Lakeside from K-8 and we are grateful for Miss Baughman's dedication and introducing her, as well as the hundreds of children, to the world of music.

Justin Harer

August 14, 2013

I wouldn't admit it as a kid but I really did enjoy her musical instruction. She is going to be missed dearly.

Nikki Jo Watkins

August 9, 2013

What an amazing women who contributed so much to this world. I was a a little farm kid at Lakeside from 1991-1999 and I remember Miss Baughman coming into our classes with her cart full of tambourines and other instruments to share her knowledge of music with us. I was also a private guitar and piano student of hers taking lessons at her home and always admiring her collection of petrified rocks (as I had never seen them before, she was always teaching). She helped me find my first guitar (which I still have) and we played a lot of old folk music. She was so patient and positive and such a warm comfort to a shy learner. A fantastic teacher. I haven't played the guitar in a while now, but I will never forget Every Good Boy Does Fine, and I'm always good for a little "Yellow Rose of Texas". I feel so blessed to be one of the many lives that was touched by Miss Baughman.

Celia Brandon-Beyn

August 9, 2013

I worked as the program scheduler for Young Audiences with Jean for many years. Her enthusiasm for children knowing about music was never ending. I am sure her work will live on for years to come. Thank you Jean for all you did for the kids. You were a blessing.

Tammy Wood-Robinson

August 7, 2013

I remember her from 1975-1983. She really had a passion for music. She will greatly be missed.

Becky Sigrest

August 5, 2013

She was a wonderful woman and very passionate about sharing her love for music with her students. Thanks to her, I know about the music of Bach and Beethoven, I can still play "Boogie Woogie Blues" on the piano, I remember the harmony parts that I learned in choir to "Somewhere Over the Rainbow, and I can Hokey Pokey with the best of them. I am absolutely sure that she is teaching music in heaven!

August 4, 2013

I had the honor of working with her through the Young Audience, Children's Organ Tours at Olive Drive Church. She was a very sweet and special lady. Her love of music and children shined on her face. Mrs. Judy Garden

Patricia Martinez (Gallego)

August 4, 2013

Miss Baughman will always have a special place in my heart...she taught me classical piano and sparked my early interest in singing, which continue today. .Used to love going to her unique apt on eye st for lessons. she became fast friends with my mom which endured for years after i graduated from Lakeside. She will be greatly missed!!!

Bob Myers

August 4, 2013

My mother, Marie Myers, was the secretary at Lakeside from about 1950 until 1971. She and Jean became close friends and eventually, friends for life. Mother,who died in 2010,never had a better friend. Perhaps she and Jean are reunited again. I hope so.

Bob Carlson

August 3, 2013

I remember Miss Baughman from 1966-1974 at Lakeside. Her passion for music and teaching music was second to none. I learned to read music thanks to her. To this day, I remember her tirelessly working with students. RIP Miss Baughman

Tamara Barnard-Robertson

August 3, 2013

Dear Lakeside Family,
What a blessing we had being students of Miss Baughman. She was a wonderful teacher. She made sure that we all knew the art of music, even though we all came from the country. She loved all of her students and Lakeside School was truly her family. I enjoyed learning to play the piano from her, then though I should have practiced more she always said I played beautifuly. Lakeside has lost a true legend. She will be missed. Alumni please try to come to the memorial service in her honor.
Musicly Yours,
Tamara Barnard-Robertson
Class of 1985

August 3, 2013

I remember Miss Baughman as a wonderful teacher. Learning to sing 'Sentimental Journey' What great fun. She will be truly missed. Lakeside had a wonderful music program with Mr. John Rojas and Miss Baughman as its leaders. Patsy (Payne) Rowles

Robert Dickson

August 3, 2013

I will remember Miss Baughman as a caring, enthausiastic music teacher, and friend. She came to our house for piano lessons each wednesday for many years. This was a special treat for us kids because Mom would invite her to stay and join us at dinner after several kids had finished the lessons. Jean would always bring a "jello mold" for the dessert! These desserts became a tradition with her. I was probably the worst piano student she had, and conseqently, she suggested I might like to take up guitar! Jean took the time many years later to visit Jude and me while she was on a family reunion in Des Moines; I played my guitar for her and she was thrilled. Well, 40 years later I still play the guitar, and that interest has helped me be a good role model for my own kids' violin lessons.
You are missed!

Caroline Berry

August 3, 2013

Dear family, My memories are abundant and delightful - thursday night piano lessons and dinner with 'Miss Baughman's'jello salad; her darling apartment near BHS; her stories of the Colorado Reunions and bringing avocados back from Vista! Her ability to see life filled with enjoyment and purpose is her legacy for me. My deepest sympathy. Jean holds a special place in my heart. Caroline (Dickson) Berry

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