Valentine R. Baird

Valentine R. Baird passed away on Oct. 21, 2009 at her home in Flushing, Mich. She was born Sept. 17, 1920 in Flint, Mich. to George Zagulski and Sophia Sorenson.

She and her husband, John J. (Jack) Baird, moved to Fountain Hills in the late 1980s and lived between here and Florida for the next 18 years. Jack preceded her in death on Aug. 2, 1999, as did her sister, Martha Dreasky, on March 18, 1987.

Valentine is survived by her sister, Lydia Daniels of Flushing, Mich.; three sons, David Baird of Olympia, Wash., John M. Baird and his wife, Barbara, of Queen Creek, and William (Bill) Baird and his wife, Pamela, of Harbor Springs, Mich.; a grandson, Jason Baird and his wife, Leanne; great-grandsons, Jack Baird, Doug and Joel Brewer of Fountain Hills; granddaughters, Jaden, Jordann and Britney Doggett of Queen Creek, Ashley Baird of Nice, France; and various nieces, nephews and cousins.

Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held at Messinger Fountain Hills Mortuary, 12065 Saguaro Blvd. at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2010.

The family requests that any donations in Valentine’s name be made to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower St., Phoenix, AZ 85014.

Laura Lee Kotlowski

Laura Lee Kotlowski (Lascio), 49, of Fountain Hills passed away on Dec. 20, 2009.

She died peacefully while in the care of Scottsdale Healthcare Osborn after an extended battle with diabetes and kidney disease.

Laura was born in Chicago, Ill. on May 1, 1960 to William and Rosemary Lascio of Fountain Hills.

Growing up in Carpentersville, Ill. she met and married her husband, Scott Kotlowski, on Feb. 15, 1980.

With their children, Gregory, 29, and Heather, 25, they came west to Fountain Hills in 1986.

In addition to her husband, parents, and children she is survived by her brothers, Tom, of Lake in the Hills, Ill., Jim and Bill; and sister, Patricia, all of Fountain Hills; and son-in-law, Jason Sheets. Also numerous nieces and nephews; and, most importantly, her granddaughter, LeeLee, age three.

Services were handled by Messinger’s Fountain Hills Mortuary.

Respects can be paid in three ways.

If you are diabetic or care for someone who is, keep your blood sugar under control. Become an organ donor. Make a donation to the Arizona Kidney Foundation (602-840-1644) in Laura’s name.

Joanne Sutherland

Joanne Gregory Sutherland passed away Dec. 17, 2009. She is survived by her beloved mother, Mae, and step-father, Keith Jensen; two daughters in-law; six grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren, and many dear family and friends.

Joanne died after a brief battle with cancer. She passed peacefully with family by her side.

She was a bright and kindhearted woman who will be greatly missed.