Joanne Baisch passed away peacefully on October 16, 2024, at her daughter Anne’s home in Tigard, Oregon. Until the end, Joanne embodied kindness, grace, and compassion, expressing gratitude for her long life filled with wonderful and varied experiences.

Joanne was born on October 25, 1931, in Burns, Oregon, to Ann Nelson Reineman and Albert Reinemann. Her mother was a nurse and the head of a doctor’s office, while her father was a foreman at Heinz Lumber Company. As their only child, Joanne spent many days exploring the streets of Burns, embarking on escapades both solo and with friends. She cherished the high desert town and its wild west spirit.

After graduating high school, Joanne moved to the Portland area to attend Lewis and Clark College, where she focused on a nursing degree. It was there that she met Reuben Baisch, the star player of the football team. They dated during college and married on June 10, 1953. Reuben graduated with a degree in education, and over the next decade, they lived in Hillsboro, North Marion, and finally settled in Woodburn, where Reuben taught and coached at various schools.

Joanne worked as a nurse at McClaren School for Boys from 1961 to 1966 before becoming a public health nurse in Marion County, where she dedicated the remainder of her career until retiring in 1989. During this time, Joanne and Reuben moved to Salem, Oregon, for about ten years, but they eventually returned to Woodburn to retire among their friends.

Joanne cherished her friendships, nurturing them at each stage of her life, many lasting until her passing. She was active in PEO, the Woodburn Golf Club, and her church, the United Church of Christ. Joanne enjoyed water aerobics, playing bridge and mahjong with friends and was an enthusiastic participant in her book club. Known for her dark and mischievous sense of humor, she often surprised her friends, while her family delighted in her “wicked” streak. Although known for her stubbornness, she would ultimately yield if compromise was needed. Friends and family would say that Joanne was a true gem of a person, embodying the adage of a life well-lived.

Joanne is preceded in death by her mother, Ann; father, Albert; husband, Reuben; and son, Stephen. She is survived by her son, Greg; daughter, Anne; and grandchildren, Tyler, Corey, Erik, Leah, and Jonathan. She also adored her great-grandchildren: Aiden, Kieran, and Sofia.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the American Humane Society.

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