Fe Raymundo Baran

Fe was born on September 29, 1931 to Dr Jose and Celestina (Montilla) Raymundo, in her family home in Malabon, Rizal, on the coast of Manila Bay in the Philippines. She was from a large, vibrant, loving family -- the sixth of nine siblings (one brother and eight sisters).

With her natural curiosity & deep passion for learning, Fe earned a Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy, another in Foods & Nutrition, and a Master’s in Home Economics. Her career included acting as private dietician for President Elpidio Quirino, the sixth President of the Philippines. She was also a small-town pharmacist, clinical dietician and nutritionist until she immigrated to Chicago, IL in 1958.

There, she met her future husband, Erwin, and together they raised three children: Carmen, Joe and Fe, working diligently to provide each with a Catholic education throughout grade school and high school. A long-time, devoted parishioner at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, she supported her neighborhood and volunteered to drive seniors to Sunday Mass.

Ever ambitious, Fe sought out new projects and side hustles, somehow finding time to dive into real estate as a licensed agent, investor and landlord. The couple purchased, renovated and rented out the home next door, plus a 12-unit apartment building across the street, self-managing each property to help build their children’s college funds.

Fe savored her family life, thriving in the big, Windy City while continuing to advance in her chosen dietary career in various Chicagoland hospitals. She eventually retired from Norwegian American Hospital after 20 years as their Food Service Director.

An avid reader, Fe enjoyed mysteries, thrillers, Egyptian and Greek mythology, and word games like Scrabble and crossword puzzles. She was an early adopter of the home computer and iPad, and loved travel adventures with family, including road trips across the Midwest with the children and journeys to Germany, England, France, and Egypt. She even took Erwin on a cruise around Southeast Asia that wound up in the Philippines, finally introducing him to many relatives in her homeland. One of her favorite sayings reminded folks to “travel while you can, so that you’ll have those memories with you forever.”

In 1995, Fe and Erwin decided to follow their children and retire in Boulder, Colorado, settling down in a sweet ranch home on a corner lot with a view of the Flatirons. They delighted in being closer to their growing family and in time, welcomed and entertained four beloved grandchildren. Alongside her sister Tess, Fe attended daily morning Mass at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, making new friends while readily volunteering for their quilting, food-box, and Christmas-gift donation programs.

And always seeking new endeavors, even in retirement, Fe designed, wrote and published her memoir, reflecting on her childhood in the Philippines and her life-changing move to the US. Here, she highlighted her father’s favorite Bible quote: “to whom much is given, much will be required” (Luke 12:48) – his reminder and motto to do more than simply “count your blessings.”

Fe shared her beaming smile so easily, and always found the best in everyone she met. She was happiest when surrounded by family and friends, most especially while hosting large celebrations filled with laughter, games and tables brimming with fiesta foods. A cherished mother, grandmother, sister, cousin, friend, confidante and mentor -- Fe is forever loved and already greatly missed.

Fe has entered into eternal peace in Paradise, joining her husband of 51 years, Erwin; her daughter Fe; her grandson Tanner, as well as her parents and many siblings.

She is survived by her daughter Carmen and son-in-law Thomas Klinker; her son Joe; grandchildren Lucy Briggs, Bee Briggs, and Reid Baran; son-in-law Mark Briggs, as well as extended family in the US, Canada and the Philippines.

Memorial services will be held on Thursday, May 14, 2026 at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, 1318 Mapleton Ave, Boulder, CO 80304 -- a Rosary Vigil begins at 9:00 am, followed by her Funeral Mass at 10:00 am.

Reception in Jubilee Hall of the church will follow the Mass; please join her family for lunch, refreshments and memories of Fe.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of these favorite causes:

Alzheimer's Association - Boulder Chapter, 5353 Manhattan Cir. Unit 100, Boulder, CO 80303 https://www.alz.org/co

World Central Kitchen, PO Box 96538, Washington, DC, 20090-6538 https://wck.org/

Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic School, 1317 Mapleton Ave, Boulder, CO 80304 https://school.shjboulder.org/

Ski For T Award (official memorial scholarship honoring grandson Tanner Baran), c/o Snowbird Sports Education Foundation, 3690 E Fort Union #102, Cottonwood Heights, UT 84121 https://sbsef.com/ski-for-t-award/

introduction video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4f0w3nYZUEo