Margaret E. Baird

With love and deep admiration, we announce the passing of a remarkable woman, a loyal friend, a passionate teacher and spirited supporter of all those who strive for excellence, Margaret E. Baird, age 90, who died on January 28 in Columbus, Ohio surrounded by the legacy of a life lived with devotion and purpose. She deeply believed in people and cared sincerely to know them, whether they be enthusiastic students, fellow teachers, lifelong friends or the nurses and caregivers who walked beside her in her final days. Everyone mattered to her, and she made sure they knew it. She was an accomplished high school English, Humanities and German teacher in Dayton, Ohio, where she inspired generations of students to think critically, write boldly and read deeply. Many of her students matriculated at prestigious institutions and credited her guidance for their successes. Teaching was never just a job for her, it was calling, and her influence lives on in the many students whose lives she shaped. The daughter of a career Air Force colonel, Margaret approached her education with the same curiosity, resilience and excellence that defined her entire life. She attended schools in Akron, Ohio, during World War II while her father was stationed in England; in Falls Church, Virginia when he worked at the Pentagon; and, later, in London, England when he was an attaché at the American embassy. At the end of her secondary education in England, she lacked the American-style transcripts required for most college admissions in the United States, however Lake Erie College in Painesville, Ohio made an exception. Including studies in post-war Germany, she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree at Lake Erie College in 1957 and continued her post-graduate education at Brown University. Beginning her career at Dayton’s Meadowdale High School, she next taught at Kiser High School. After Kiser closed in 1982, she taught at Colonel White High school. At Colonel White, she was honored as “Most Valuable Teacher.” Along with fellow teachers, she was a member of the Schoolmarms Bowling Team, which won multiple division championships in the 1980s. On retirement in May 1991, Margaret received numerous accolades. Following retirement, she continued as an active member of Phi Delta Kappa, the professional organization for women in the field of education. In addition, she was a longtime member of the College Women’s Club of Dayton, an organization founded in 1907 dedicated to fostering higher education through study groups and awarding scholarships to women in need of financial assistance. In later years, she was an avid grower of award-winning daffodils, earning top awards in both regional and national American Daffodil Society competitions. She served as a certified daffodil judge throughout the United States as well as in Europe, Australia and New Zealand. She served on the playreading committee of Dayton Playhouse FutureFest competition, encouraging playwrights from throughout North America. Other interests included the United States Air Force Museum and advocating for veterans. She was an accomplished pianist. Introduced to the Episcopalian faith as a young girl, Margaret was an active member of Christ Episcopal Church, serving on Altar Guild, singing in the choir, and assisting with the annual Waffle Shop to benefit the poor and marginalized. Her energy, compassion, intellect, and fierce love leave an irreplaceable void—but also an enduring legacy. She taught us to care more deeply, fight for what is right, and use our voices with purpose. She was preceded in death by her parents, Colonel William C. and Grace (Poppenger) Baird. Celebration of Life Service will be on Saturday, May 2 at Christ Episcopal Church, 20 W. 1st St., Dayton, Ohio. Visitation at 10 am, service at 11 am, followed by a luncheon. Inurnment in the Christ Church Columbarium.

Margaret E. Baird

November 6, 1935 - January 28, 2026