April 19, 1923 - March 20, 2023
Born 1923 in Danville, Illinois, was formerly a long-time resident of Loveland and Estes Park, Colorado. She is known fondly by her family as “Madam Centenarian” to honor her 100th year that crowns a life of achievement and purpose. Pollyann enjoyed a 20-year career as an educator and librarian, became a playwright, a cellist, a ballroom dance champion, and certified rosarian judge. As a writer, Pollyann authored two books written at age 93 and 98 respectively while nearly blind, titled “Grin and Giggle” (2016) and “Mirth and Mayhem”/Ramblings and Rumblings” (2020).
Pollyann is a graduate of Loveland High School and University of Colorado, Boulder, with a Master’s Degree in Library Science from University of Denver.
Pollyann was a 43-year member of Namaqua Chapter, NSDAR, Loveland, a member of Delta Gamma Sorority, and a founding member of PEO Chapter GJ, Estes Park. She was also a founding member of the Long’s Peak Scottish-Irish Highland Festival (SCOTFEST).
Pollyann played the cello with the Loveland Chamber Orchestra and became a National Ballroom Dance Champion, excelling in both well into her 80’s.
A lifelong rose lover, Pollyann’s heritage rose garden with 160 rosebushes located at her 610 N. Jefferson residence was renowned in Loveland’s Rose Club. She became a National Rose Arrangement Judge at the age of 90.
Pollyann was preceded in death by her son Bruce Baird. She is survived by her three daughters, Lesley Kitchen Lababidi, Lynn Kitchen, and Ellen Baird Dacon, 6 grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren.
For information about services to be held in Loveland, Colorado, contact Kibbey-Fishburn Funeral Home (kibbeyfishburn.com).
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Tidewell Hospice at https://tidewellfoundation.org/donate/
