Sandra Cawley Baird

Sandra Cawley Baird, 73, of Greeley, passed away on June 9, 2021, at her home in Evans, Colorado. She was born to Gerard and Ruth (Hill) Cawley in 1947 in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Sandy began a career in nursing after she earned a Bachelor's of Science degree in Nursing in 1969 from the University of Maryland and went on to earn a Master’s Degree in Psychiatric Nursing in 1972. She worked clinically in Baltimore, primarily in Intensive Care, before moving to Denver, where her work continued. Sandy married William John Baird in 1973 and together they built a home in Greeley and raised two sons. She was a professor at and attended the University of Northern Colorado where she received a Doctorate of Education in 1987. She became the Director of the School of Nursing in 1990. Under her leadership, both the MSN and Doctorate in Nursing Education programs were initiated. She was recognized nationally by the AACN as a nurse educator selected to accredit other schools of nursing. She served until her retirement in 2002, when she was awarded Professor Emerita of Nursing. Her commitment to the community continued and she was selected as an Outstanding Woman of Weld County for Educational Leadership by Friends of a Woman’s Place in 2004. She enjoyed the ocean, boating with her husband, fishing, painting, and playing cards with her friends. She loved and adored her family, especially her grandkids. She will be dearly missed by all that knew her. Sandy is survived by her children, Matt Baird and Nick (Angie) Baird; grandchildren, Bowdry and Madalyn; sister, Susan (Jeff) Baxter. She was preceded in death by her Husband, William Baird and her parents. Memorial contribution in Sandy’s name can be made to the International Myeloma Foundation in Care of Adamson Life Celebration Home, 2000 47th Avenue, Greeley, Colorado 80634. Condolences for Sandy’s family can be left at www.adamsoncares.com. Life Celebration Memorial will be held at 11 am, Friday, June 18, 2021 at Adamson Life Celebration Home in Greeley.