Contributions to the tribute of Luisa E. Baars

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Sunday, July 26, 2026

I am just learning of this sad event. I knew Luisa briefly, but her impact on my life was profound. Her loss is a loss for an entire community as well as her family. Three years ago, Luisa tutored me in Spanish over Zoom. She helped me incredibly, both with her teaching methods and with her stories of a life lived in service to others. I am a native Texan who heard and spoke Spanish until I was nine and my family moved to Virginia (where I heard Spanish only in school). When I moved to Rochester, NY in the mid-1980s to pursue a graduate degree at the University of Rochester, I started meeting a variety of people--Cuban, Puerto Rican, Dominican, Costa Rican, Panamanian--and I rediscovered my love of Spanish. Luisa helped me with grammar, orthography, and the cultural nuances of life in the Hispanic world. She was both strict and adorable, and she helped me gain confidence. There is a verse in Thessalonians that says when a Christian dies, those left behind grieve, but they have the hope of seeing that loved in heaven with Jesus. I pray that all her loved ones will be able to rejoice in that even as the tears flow.

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Miriam Vázquez uploaded photo(s)

Wednesday, June 10, 2026

Pensando en ustedes durante este tiempo tan difícil. Luisa will forever live in our memories and our Rotary projects. We love you Luisa. Descansa en paz.

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Jack Best, Past Rotary International Director, posted a condolence

Wednesday, June 10, 2026

Luisa provided much enthusiasm, leadershiop and energy to her active involvement in Rotary, particularly the Rochester Latino Club. I can't help not rememberinig her husband, Wim, her constant companion at Rotary events.

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William A Johnson, Jr. posted a condolence

Monday, June 8, 2026

It is with much sadness that I learned of the passing of my friend and colleague, Luisa Baars. We met many years ago when I was at the Urban League. We collaborated on several projects. She developed one of the first Employee Assistance Programs locally, which she guided with expertise and compassion. I had tremendous admiration and respect for her, as a professional and a friend. She made a tremendous impact on so many aspects of the life of our community. I am thankful for the opportunity to have known and worked with her. May her sweet soul rest in eternal peace.

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The family of Luisa E. Baars uploaded a photo

Monday, June 8, 2026

Luisa E. Baars

1937 - 2026

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