Maria Baisier

Maria Baisier, 71, of Springfield, died on Saturday, June 20, 2009 in Phoenix, AZ. Maria was born in Rijkevorsel, Belgium on December 14, 1937, the daughter of Eugene and Maria Seuntjens M.D. as the fifth of 6 children. She concluded her secondary education at the Paridaens Institute in Leuven. She received her undergraduate as well as graduate education in Dentistry at the Catholic University of Leuven graduating in 1961. Maria furthered her education with a Masters Degree in Public Health from Yale University. On June 2, 1962 she married Walter Baisier M.D. and later that summer they sailed to the United States where Walter resumed his training as an Orthopedic Surgeon. They lived in New Haven, Connecticut and Boston, Massachusetts while completing their medical training and education. In June of 1965 the young couple welcomed their son Paul and moved to Springfield, Illinois where they have lived for 44 years. A quick 16 months later, in October of 1966, Maria and Walter became proud parents again with the birth of their daughter Wendy. Both children graduated from Rochester High School. After being a full-time mom for several years, Maria took and passed her licensing board exams in Illinois to allow to her to become the first female dentist in Springfield. She initially worked with Dr. Art Reynolds and later she developed her own independent office on Stevenson Drive. Maria retired in 1993 in time to become a grandmother for the first time. Wendy has two children (Holly and Spencer) and Paul has four (Caroline, Daniel, Mark and Paul.) After retirement both doctors joined the (Academy of Lifelong Learning) and were particularly active in organizing daytrips for the Academy. Maria developed a liking for orchids and built a greenhouse at home. She won numerous prizes for her work and eventually became president of the Central Illinois Orchid Society, a position she was much honored to have. Her last few years were occupied by her courageous battle against cancer. She is survived by her husband of forty-seven years, Dr. Walter Baisier of Anthem, AZ; son, Paul (wife, Suzanne) Baisier of Atlanta, GA; daughter, Wendy (husband, Jeff) Patterson of Anthem, AZ; and six grandchildren. Family will receive friends from 4:00 7:00 p.m. on Friday, June 26, 2009 at Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Visitation will begin with a prayer service at 4:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 27, 2009 at Church of the Little Flower, 800 Stevenson Dr., Springfield with Rev. Msgr. John Ossola, celebrant. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Church of the Little Flower, 800 Stevenson Dr., Springfield, IL 62703.