"Peg meant a lot of me as a teacher, mentor, counselor, and friend. I first met her in 1956 when I entered high school in Kenosha, WI. I have tried to keep in touch with her over the past 50+ years, but this was difficult since most of my adult life has been spent many miles away in PA. We did manage to get together once for dinner in Madison when I was visiting my mother. During her years as a teacher and counselor, as well as Girl Scout Camp Counselor, she touched the lives of many, many people in a very positive way. I know it was partly through her influence that I later became a Counselor, and a Girl Scout Camp Counselor. Peg was very important to me as a high school student, and I will always remember her kind, thoughtful, and understanding ways. She will never be forgotten. I extend my sincere condolences to all those who were close to her. I know she is missed."
In loving memory of
Shirley E. "Peg" Baillies
Age 85, of Waukesha, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, January 24, 2015. Shirley was born on May 5, 1929 to LeRoy and Susie (nee Atkinson) Baillies in Pardeeville, WI. She is survived by her sister, Beverly Jones of Muscoda, WI; nieces Diane (Roger) Efinger and Shelley (Don) Miess; a nephew, Rich (Gail) Jones, many great nieces and nephews and her special friend, Willow Horning. She is preceded in death by her parents, a brother-in-law, Howard; a niece, Marnie and a nephew, David.
Funeral Services are private per family wishes.
Memorials to the First Presbyterian Church of Waukesha, the Humane Society or the charity of your choice are appreciated.
Shirley grew up in Poynette, WI where she graduated from high school in 1947. She attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she earned a Bachelor's Degree majoring in Physical Education. After teaching in Mayville and Kenosha, Shirley taught high school science and physical education for one year at the American Air Base in Tokyo, Japan. She furthered her education by earning her Master's Degree in counselling from the University of Washington-Seattle. She completed her educational career upon her retirement from Waukesha South High School.
Shirley enjoyed life to the fullest. She was an avid reader, Packer, Brewer and golf fan.
Tributes
"Miss Baillies, as I knew her at Waukesha High School, was an amazing guidance counselor. The first time I met her was in 9th grade at Central Campus back in 1971. I was called to her office for some routine matter. She had stepped out so I took a seat in the reception area. Though I had never had any previous dealings with her she walked into the office and looked at me and said "Hi Rick, come on into my office." I was not the only student in the room but somehow she knew who I was out of about 500 students that were assigned to her (the WHS Class of 1974 was a very large in number). That has always impressed me to this day. She lead me through my tumultuous and sometimes troubling high school years and left a very positive impression on me. She, along with James Machon, were the two most inspiring mentors who prepared me for the years ahead. I only saw her once after graduation, at a college fair in Milwaukee when I was a student working for the Admissions Office at UW-River Falls. Unfortunately it was from afar and I was unable to talk with her. May she rest in peace knowing she was a positive influence on thousands of students. My sympathy is extended to her family and loved ones."
"Though my memories are fading some, the love she imprinted in my heart has not. R.I.P.
My heart goes out to family and friends.
"
"I just loved this woman - such an amazing counselor and mentor and I can only imagine the number of lives she touched just amongst the students she worked with. My mom also had the wonderful priveledge of working with a Peg at WSH and and spoke so highly of her under any circumstance. Thank you Peg, for helping to,shape us into courageous and constructive citizens as we grew up under your watch! God bless you and please give my mom a hug for me!"
"Like Mary Horn Packard, I was also a member of the WHS Class of 1965. I can still remember "Henry" trying to teach me how to stand on my head without falling over! May God be with her family members and friends during this difficult time. "
"What a beautiful photo...just the way I remember her when I graduated in 1974 from Waukesha High School! Peg was my counselor through high school...and so much more! She was also my confidant, my advisor, my teacher, my shoulder to cry on, my greatest cheerleader! I always knew she believed in me, and pushed me to be the best person I could be!! She was also an amazing friend! I remembered her encouraging words, often, as I went off to college, became a teacher and later trained teachers! I was fortunate enough to see her a number of times after I graduated, and then we kept up on each other through my Mother who worked for the Waukesha Public Schools. She had such a positive impact on so many! What a gift she was to all of us who knew her! She will be missed...but her legacy will live on in all her students of life! My heartfelt sympathy is extended to all of Peg's loved ones! "
"Miss Baillies was my counselor at W.S.H. in 1976-1977. As a troubled student dealing with the death of my mother and sister within one year I was on the path of destruction. This amazing women loved me unconditionally and gave me strength and courage to forge on with my life and get past the anger and bitterness I blanked my life with. To this day, I pay it forward because of her! God bless her!!"
"I remember Miss Baillies from middle and school highs where she was one of the class counselors. I worked with her in the office during open hours. I will remember her for her smile,strength and positive attitude. She always told me to just be myself . Thank you , Miss Baillies, for everthing you did . You will be missed."
"Peg, along with Nancy Oimoen, were the two people who inspired me to major in Physical Education. What a fun person and she was so caring. Many fond memories of her. May she rest in peace."
"What a wonderful woman. She was both my counselor at South as well as a wonderful neighbor for many years as I grew up. Miss you! Peace"
"The Class of '65 knew Peg Baillies as "Henry". We gave her that name because she was our teacher, mentor, and friend. We just heard about her passing and are very sad. She was an outstanding woman and we all looked up to her. I have such wonderful memories and things that she taught Henry, you will be missed "
"I met Peg - can't get my head wrapped around Shirley at a MHA lunch - we later made several trips to Laughlin what a joy - Willow I feel for you call if you want talk"
"I only had the pleasure of knowing Peg for a few years through our church. She was a wonderful person and I will truly miss her. My heartfelt condolensces to her family, loved ones and friends."
"I've known Peg for about 20 years. We visited every 6 weeks or so, when she came in for a hair trim and style. I'm going to miss our vacation and casino gambling conversations. It was always a pleasure to see her, and she will be missed. My sincere condolences to all."
"I met Peg (never could remember that her real name was Shirley) when she began volunteering at the Mental Health Association. Our friendship grew after we both left MHA, and a few of us started meeting for lunch on a regular basis. We'd share books, MHA memories, and laughter. Peg was one of those 'good people' - the kind we need more of in this world. I'm glad she was in my life. I will miss her. My deep sympathy to all her loved ones."