Kathleen Grace Baird

Kathleen Grace (Hesp) Baird of Temecula, CA passed away at home on July 19, 2017. She was 75. Kathy was born on April 22, 1942 to Victor and Frances Hesp. She grew up in El Segundo, CA and went to El Segundo High School, where she met Tom, her husband of 56 years. She graduated from Pepperdine College in 1963 and became a teacher. She and Tom lived in Ontario, CA before moving to Temecula in 1972, where they raised 2 children. She was one of the original teachers in the Temecula Union School District, when it was a small district with only one school. She taught 2nd and 3rd grade in Temecula for over 35 years. In 1993 she earned her Master's Degree in Education from Azusa Pacific University. Kathy retired in 2003, and spent her retirement enjoying her 4 grandchildren, traveling, yoga, bible studies, hiking, shopping, reading, and being with her friends. She was a member of the Temecula United Methodist Church. This quote from her long time friend Hazel Crowder describes Kathy perfectly: "My heart is saddened by the passing of my dear friend, Kathy. Her unconditional friendship blessed my life for 40 years and was a treasure I shall cherish forever! I know she is rejoicing at this very moment in Heaven with a new, perfect body that is no longer suffering, and has been reunited with her dear mother and father. I thank God for the gift of friendship with this remarkable, inspiring person.This picture captures the essence of the way Kathy lived her life...with a thumbs up attitude of gratitude and optimism. Her quick humor and wit continually uplifted and delighted everyone in her company. Life well lived Kathy Baird. I will miss you every single day!" Kathleen is survived by her husband of, Thomas, of Temecula; daughter Tori (Baird) Fisher, son-in-law Chris Fisher, and their two children, Claire and Emily, of Temecula; and daughter Karen Baird and her two children, Heilee and Logan Hitzelberger, of Carlsbad. A Celebration of Life will be held on August 5, 2017 at 2:00 pm at the Murrieta United Methodist Church, 24652 Adams Ave., Murrieta, CA 92562. A reception will immediately follow in the church's Fellowship Hall. Kathy was wonderful and passionate in all her roles, as wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, friend and teacher. We will miss her dearly. Memorial gifts may be given in remembrance of Kathy's life to the Temecula United Methodist Church "Pastor's Discretionary Fund" or the Friends of the Temecula Library.