Barbara Baer Obituary

Barbara Jean Baer, 82, passed away the evening of March 28th, 2025. The preceding months had seen chemotherapy treatments for a metastasized form of the cancer that she had beaten a decade earlier. She boldly tackled these treatments and was barely slowed down by them. Sadly, infections and strokes overwhelmed her weakened body and were more than she could fight against.

Born to Allison and Sarah Mason in Durango, Colorado on June 17, 1942, Barbara Jean Mason was the fourth of six children. Raised by parents who were passionate about conservation and the outdoors, she spent her time climbing, exploring, and fishing in the mountains that surrounded her home. The popularity of western movies at this time and her father's occupation as a wildlife officer in possession of beaver pelts which could be used in these movies, afforded her a front row seat to the filming of several movies, including some featuring John Wayne.

She met Max Baer from Cortez and they were married on September 20, 1969, in Durango. Together they had three children; two daughters, Jenn and Michelle and a son, Ryan. Max's work with the Colorado Department of Transportation led them to live in several places around the state before finally landing in their beloved Cortez. Here they spent many hours on their land surrounded by views of the La Plata Mountains, Mesa Verde, and the Sleeping Ute Mountain. After retiring, Jean would typically be found in her garden or on her deck, working word puzzles and bird watching. She had an eye for photography and loved to capture the beauty of a tree, a flower, or a sunset.

Jean's life was immeasurably enriched by her grandchildren. After many years of waiting, Jean was blessed with a granddaughter, Jaly, whose arrival sparked a youthful energy in Jean as she joined her on the floor for tummy time. Shortly after followed a grandson, Jonas, who had the same spark for life that burned in his grandmother's belly. Three more grandchildren followed, Fern, Elijah, and August. She poured love into her grandchildren through handmade rag dolls, stuffed animals, and crocheted blankets. Family visits were met with excitement and weeks of planning to ensure that everyone was going to receive their favorite Grammy dinner or treat. This was the woman that we were blessed with, thoughtful, compassionate, and so very fierce and passionate about what she cared for.

As a young girl, she had a cousin also known as Barbara Mason, so she chose to go by her middle name, Jean, to spare others confusion. This simple act speaks volumes to the person that Jean was. She was thoughtful and compassionate and always looking outside of herself for those needing help and support. Whether it was leading a Girl Scout troop, helping students as a volunteer in the classroom, or providing support in her community, she did it with such a deep passion and commitment.

Jean is survived by her husband, Max Baer; her children, Jenn Nutter and Michelle Lopez; her grandchildren, Jaly, Jonas, Fern, Elijah, and August; her brothers, Jerry and Russell Mason, and sister, Charlene Dimacali. She was preceded in death by her parents, Allison and Sarah Mason, her brothers, Dick and Keith Mason, and her son, Ryan.

Jean's legacy will live on through the countless lives she touched with her kindness, generosity, fabulous baking creations, and the fierce love that she had for her family and community. She will be deeply missed, but her spirit will continue to inspire all who knew her. A memorial service will be held at a later date in the Four Corners area that she loved.