MaryLu Baetkey

MaryLu Baetkey, a nearly lifelong resident of the Parkrose neighborhood of Portland, passed away peacefully in her home on Tuesday, December 29, 2020. MaryLu was born September 16, 1948 in Minneapolis, Minnesota to Henry and Ada (Harpt) Baetkey. She had one brother. The family moved to Alexandria, VA and then settled permanently in Portland, OR, during which time they made many visits to Emmet, ID where they spent summers working on the family fruit orchard. MaryLu graduated from Parkrose High School in 1966. She then attended Portland State University (BS in Elementary Education) and Lewis & Clark College (MA in Education). MaryLu dedicated her entire career to the Parkrose School District, serving as a teacher across many grade levels and later in the administrative office as the Assistant to the Superintendent and the Project Supervisor for the new High School. As a teacher, she proudly served as a union representative. In her retirement, MaryLu served as a Parkrose School Board president and member.

MaryLu was a fixture in the Parkrose community. She was a devoted Oregon Ducks fan, joyful gardener, and talented baker. She was a loyal and dedicated cousin and aunt, with most of her travels consisting of family visits to California and Idaho. She was so proud of her Idaho roots and family orchard. She loved visiting her cousins and enjoying time with them along the Oregon coast. She delighted in spontaneous visits by friends and neighbors as she worked regularly in her beautiful garden, oftentimes offering good advice. MaryLu was a storyteller and character. She loved musicals, books, and talking politics. She was a giver. She enjoyed gathering special books or items thoughtfully considered and wrapping them beautifully to gift to others. MaryLu was a fierce and powerful force and she will always be remembered by all who knew and loved her.

MaryLu is survived by her nephew Lance Baetkey (Kerri) and his children (Caroline and Matthew) of Novato, CA. MaryLu’s children were the students and neighborhood kids in Parkrose and she kept in touch with so many of them years after she taught them. Later in life, she developed a close relationship and enjoyed many holidays and occasions with the Gardner family: Andrea, Travis (Andrea), William (Carolina), and Lynnea. She was preceded in death by her parents Henry and Ada Baetkey and her brother David.

A celebration of her life will be held during the summer. Contributions to a scholarship in her memory may be sent to Higher Education Coordinating Commission/OSAC, 3225 25th Street SE, Salem, OR 97302. You may write the check to HECC/OSAC and on the memo line: MaryLu Baetkey Fund 845.