Barbara Jean Kailing
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Barbara Jean Kailing, 68, who graduated from Pardeeville High School, died Wednesday, April 30, 2008.
She was born July 11, 1939, in Fond du Lac. Barb lived the first part of her life in Wisconsin, graduating from Pardeeville High School in 1957, and finishing her bachelor's degree at Carroll College. Barbara received her master's degree from Middlebury College in Vermont.
She taught elementary, secondary and college levels in Wisconsin, Guatemala, Columbia, Spain, New York, Georgia and Virginia. She finished her teaching career at William and Mary College in Virginia. She was finishing her doctorate degree at the University of New Mexico when she was struck by cancer.
Barbara lived much of her time in Albuquerque for more than 20 years in a wheel chair. She tutored various people in Spanish during the time of her limited mobility. Barbara had a great deal of musical talent, singing soprano and playing guitar. Barbara sang solos at weddings, funerals and other church services. She sang opera with a number of companies, notably the Florentine Opera Company in Milwaukee and the Spanish Royal Theater in Madrid, where she performed with such artists as Placido Domingo and Monserrat Caballe.
In the Albuquerque area, she was a member of Zarzuela Opera Company and the Pan American Round Table, a national organization that fosters Hispanic culture and learning. Barbara had an independent spirit, living alone most of her life.
Barbara is survived by her brothers, Stephen (Nancy) Kailing of Silver City, N.M., Daniel (Laura) Kailing of Suttons Bay, Mich., and Joel (Kim) Kailing of Ooltewah, Tenn.; one sister, Linda (Bob) Moore of Winston Salem, N.C.; 10 nieces and nephews; and 10 great-nieces and great-nephews. She had several close friends, with two of the closest being Debbie Eagan and Lazara Ramirez, both of Albuquerque.
She was preceded in death by one brother, Jonathan Frank Kailing; and her parents, Harold and Mary Elizabeth Kailing.
Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday at French Mortuary in Albuquerque. The family wishes to express their deep appreciation to the caring staff of the Hospice of the Sandias and A New Day Assisted Living, both of New Mexico.