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Betty Baer Obituary
Betty Baer died at home, on September 10, 2014, with many of her closest family present. Betty was born in Somerset, PA to Sarah Margaret Roby Baer and William J. Baer. She was the third of five children.
Betty's accomplishments were many, but she believed that the most significant were to her family members, especially her nieces and nephews; the many students for whom she was such a remarkable role model and mentor, and the numerous community social justice issues and programs in which she was involved. Betty was a professor and chair of the UW-Green Bay's Department in Social Work, helping to found and advance that program until her retirement in 1997. Prior to that, she was pivotal in growing the baccalaureate social work education programs at West Virginia State University and the Westchester (NY) Social Work Consortium.
She received her baccalaureate degree from West Virginia State University, an MSW from Syracuse University, and PhD in social welfare policy from University of Pittsburgh.
Betty is survived by her partner of 32 years, Ann L. McLean; sister, Jacqueline Coffroth, Seattle; brothers, Thomas Baer, Somerset, PA, and Richard Baer, Osage, IA; many nieces and nephews, whom she considered her most special gift, and numerous special friends across the country. She was preceded in death by a brother, William Baer of Bedford, PA, and her parents.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Sept. 13, at St. Anne's Episcopal Church, 347 S. Libal, De Pere; visitation is at 10:30 a.m.; the service is at 11:30 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to a scholarship recently established in Betty's name by a former student. To contribute to the Dr. Betty Baer Endowed Scholarship, visit www.uwgb.edu/foundation or send contributions in her name to UW-Green Foundation, 2420 Nicolet Drive, CL 805, Green Bay, WI 54311.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Betty Baer
Alice Azure
December 10, 2014
Betty Baer was among the most creative and involved volunteers that I have known in my 25 years as a professional in the United Way movement. I loved her deep involvement with children's issues and her knowledge of American Indian issues as well as her many friendships in Indian Country. I have lost a dear friend
September 17, 2014
My heartfelt condolences to Ann and other family members for their loss. I've spent the past week recollecting my memories of Betty as friend, colleague, critic, and supporter. She possessed a generous spirit and marvelous sense of humor. I will always remember our good times together and the fact that Betty hated to lose a card game--which she rarely did.
Carol S
Oshkosh, WI
Kim Johnson
September 13, 2014
Dr. Betty Baer, my professor and advisor in my undergraduate studies at UWGB, I am sorry to hear of your passing. However, we know you served this world exceptionally and lived a full and prosperous life. Therefore, I shall not be sad, but celebrate your life and everything you taught me during the time we were together. May you rest in peace.
virginia Emerson
September 12, 2014
Betty, an old loyal and much treasured friend . Friendship from 1941 to 2014. Her loyalty, her humor, our shared memories are of the greatest value. Virginia B. Emerson (Somerset, Pa. and West Chester, Pa.)
John Shier
September 12, 2014
Betty, I am not in Green '
Bay. Otherwise I would be with you now. Way back when we were colleagues at UWGB and you were a supporter. I admired your skills, your professionalism and the fact that you felt the same about me. In all the years since we parted I have often thought about you and when we happened to meet It was always a joy. Thank you for all the good that you have done for this world.
Lori Wisnicky
September 12, 2014
I was a student in the Social Work Program while Betty was the Chairperson there. She made a significant impact on me and the program. She contributed to Social Work and our society significantly. I often think of her and things that I have learned from her and my training there. I will forever be grateful to have known her. Thank you Betty!
September 12, 2014
Betty Baer had a heart as big as herself..It it wouldn't have been for her I wouldn't have found my life's work. Her impact on all the social work students who passed through her program is immeasurable.
She taught us to be agents for change-that we could make a difference. How blessed we were to have her in our lives. Lynn
Barbara Shank
September 12, 2014
Thank you Betty for your support, belief in me and challenge to become active in CSWE. Your push launched my career in social work education. I'll be forever in your debt.
Rolfe White
September 11, 2014
I had the honor of working with Betty on the UWGB Social Work faculty for 12 years. I was humbled by the quality of her leadership and expertise. My life has been blessed with many cherished memories of shared family moments with Betty and Ann during our retirement years. I will miss the Baer hugs!
September 11, 2014
Betty Baer,
Thank you for all you have accomplished for the Social Work program at UWGB!! As a current Social Work student, I know our class is so blessed, honored, and appreciative of the work you have accomplished. May you rest in peace and know you will never be forgotten.
Thank you-
MBL
Robin
September 11, 2014
Betty came to UWGB when I was a student in the SW program. Her impact was immense for us students, not just the accreditation of the program, but her incredible knowledge and experience. She was a strong role model who challenged us all to be the best we could be, and to have a positive impact on society. She will always be remembered and appreciated!
September 11, 2014
God bless Betty. She was a powerful advocate for things good and just. She will be missed but also remembered for the many people and programs inspired by her example.
Judith Hodel
September 11, 2014
Betty made a significant impact on the most voiceless and powerless. She will be remembered and honored by the legacy of her students and the profession of Social Work. It was an honor to know her and be her friend.
September 11, 2014
Betty was a dear dear friend.I will miss her so very much.R.I.P. my dear friend. Linda
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