Joann S (Schilffarth) Bakula

Joann S. Bakula, of Oak Creek Village, Arizona, passed away peacefully on Tuesday  May 14, 2024 at
the age of 84. She was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on October 11, 1939 to the late Elizabeth and
Herman (“HT”) Schilffarth. After attending Wauwatosa East High School, she went on to graduate
from UWM majoring in Social Work. In 1959, she married Robert James Bakula. A few years later,
they moved to Aspen, Colorado where Joann worked as a ski instructor. They enjoyed the Rockies
for a decade.
While there, they meditated on how best to contribute to the psychological and spiritual growth of
humanity. Opening a bookstore in Coconut Grove, Florida, they offered books on meditation from
many different religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, Judaism and others. These books were
the guides and companions throughout their lives.
They built a 40-foot trimaran and lived at Dinner Key marina during those years while Joann finished
her doctorial degree in esoteric psychology. Later she taught at Florida International University and
part time at the University of Miami and Miami-Dade College.
Following a divorce, they still traveled together to California and settled in Ashland, Oregon, where
Joann taught courses centered on Kübler-Ross’ book On Death and Dying at a variety of local
educational institutions.
In 2004, Joann moved to the Village of Oak Creek, near Sedona, AZ, to enjoy the year-round hiking
in beautiful Red Rock country. The Coconino forest was in her backyard and trails were accessible
right from the back door in her house. Since she had a lifetime interest in spirituality, Sedona was a
perfect backdrop for furthering her personal and spiritual enrichment. Here she wrote mindfulness
journals and meditated on the life thereafter. And she continues……

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