Lucille Francis Baughman

Lucille Francis Baughman
Lucille Francis Baughman

Lucille Francis Baughman, 94, of Amarillo, TX passed away on December 24, 2020.

Lucille, commonly referred to as “Momma Lu” was born in Connellsville, Pennsylvania, on May 25, 1926 to Elizabeth Pallidino and Vince Quinto. She departed this life to be with the Lord on December 24, 2020, in Amarillo, Texas.

Lucille grew up and graduated from Connellsville High School in 1944.

Following high school, she became part of the U.S. Army’s Nurse Cadet Core at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This program allowed her to earn her registered nursing license.

From 1944-1948, she worked in various medical facilities including St. Joseph’s Hospital in Pittsburg, Pa., Connellsville Hospital, Neuropsychiatric Hospital in New Jersey, and worked in Sacramento, Ca. as well as on an Indian Reservation in Roosevelt, Utah.

In 1948, Lucille returned to Connellsville and worked for Dr. Andolina. This is where she met a young man named Frank Baughman who was a patient of Dr. Andolina and suffering from an ear infection. Lucille took a liking to this gentleman and after several visits back to the office, Lucille asked him out. They dated and ended up eloping on May 8, 1950.

In early 1951, they moved to Austin, Texas in order for Frank to complete his law degree at the University of Texas. Lucille worked to support Frank at a local hospital while he attended the university.

After Frank received his Doctor of Jurisprudence, they moved to Amarillo to allow Frank to assume the position as Amarillo City Attorney.

When in Amarillo, Lucille worked for the Amarillo Veteran’s Hospital. After the Veteran’s Hospital, she began work at the Northwest Texas Hospital (NWTH) District which included the Kilgore Children’s Psychiatric Hospital and the Pavilion. After the closing of Kilgore, she transferred to the Pavilion where she retired in 1994.

Lucille’s nursing career spanned 50 years.

Lucille and Frank enjoyed married life together for over 50 years until his death in 2004.

Lucille had the ability to care for others before herself, to forgive others even if they hurt her, to work hard and do her best in everything that she could do.

She was the matriarch of our family. Fondly referred to as “The Queen”, Lucille wielded such power for such a small lady.

Our Queen, Momma Lu, was possibly best known for baking holiday breads and cookies or making jello salads to share with all those who stopped by for a visit.

She thought and cared about everyone and ALL people were loved, valued, and considered special in her eyes.

Lucille had a beautiful passion for life and adventure and saw the good in everyone and everything. At age 88, the family booked a cruise to the Easter Caribbean and she got to swim with the dolphins. Interesting enough, she never learned how to swim but this did not stop her from enjoying that adventure.

Simply put by a close friend, Lucille was best described as “a tiny body with a big spirit”!

Survivors include her daughter, Luann B. Meyer and her husband John Meyer; sister, Immaculate (Peggy) Qunito; brothers, Albert Quinto, and Donny Quinto and his wife ReNae; granddaughter, Franchesca (Chesa) Morris and her husband David Morris; grandsons, Jason Meyer, Scott Meyer, and Jonathan Meyer; great-grandson, Barrett Layne Morris; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her mother and father; husband, Frank Baughman; brothers, Carl, Anthony, and Vincent; and sisters, AnnaMary, and JoJo.

The family will have a private burial. Interment will be in Amarillo, Texas alongside her husband, Frank.

A “Celebration of Life” and Mass will be held sometime in the near future when social restrictions are eased and we can meet and celebrate while being safe.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either:

The Lions Club – 610 SW 8th Ave – Amarillo, TX 79101
or
Khiva Shriners – PO Box 328 – Amarillo, TX 79101

18 Replies to “Lucille Francis Baughman”

  1. This is a little late, but worth saying.

    She was my Aunt Lou, my mom’s oldest sister. She was so precious to me and my family. Just incredible energy, a youthful spirit even after she retired. Seeing Aunt Lou was like visiting Santa at the North Pole. There was something magical about her and how she treated you and others. She was just so generous with her time, talents and resources never forgetting a special date in my life or my kids lives. Her love of people, friends or strangers, and making them feel welcomed with her hospitality is legendary. Her door was always open during my travels into Amarillo on I-40 these last 25 years. That lady laid out the red carpet for me and my family, no questions asked.

    I’ll miss her dearly. But I’ll always have so many rich memories of this sweet, kindhearted woman who was Aunt Lou.

  2. I used to work with this sweet lady many years ago, at the Psychiatric Pavilion. I was a very young RN, and she was so kind and helpful to me. I used to tease her about her accent which she denied having. I haven’t seen her in many years, but I never forgot her kindnesses to me.

  3. Lou was one of the most gracious and loving people I have ever known. As you know, Lou and Frank shared a friendship with my mom and dad dating from the early fifties after Frank graduated from law school, and our families were intertwined. I have many fond memories of Lou, and I was glad to see that Christmas cookies and jello salad (aka Pink Fluff) got a mention in Lou’s obituary. We have lost an angel on earth. My deepest sympathies to Luann, John, Chesa, Peggy, Al, and all who loved her.

  4. I was so saddened to hear about Lou. I met her at the Pavilion. We occasionally worked several night shifts. Learned so much from her.
    Lou has been a life saver to my family in our early years here. Her kindnesses will never be forgotten as she helped us to be who we are today.
    She will be deeply missed. Prayers for her family.

  5. My mind has been racing with many thought of “Aunt Lu” . I first met Lu and Frank when they were living on Beverly St I was dating a nephew and later married into your family. I remember anytime we were there in the den she always had cookies to share.

    Luann. your mother would often pick up Kimberly and I to sit in the bleachers and watch your swim class. She was so very proud. When she had us over for dinner Lu would set a special table for you and Kimberly with a center piece of course.

    It won’t be the same going to Amarillo and not going by to visit with Aunt Lu or taking her to lunch. She was always welcoming and a joy to visit with. She will be missed.

  6. How our family loved Lou. SO many memories of her throughout my home. Lou attended so many of our Good Friday events, bringing delicious contributions for our pot luck meals, and great prizes for the adult/ child egg hunt. She’s listen with the kids to the Easter story just as intently as the kids who were her size but hadn’t gained her wisdom yet.
    I love impersonating Lou, if you ever need a ‘fix’ for this huge spirit in a tiny body.
    Lou Ann, no one could ever ask for a better daughter. John, what a wonderful ‘son’ you were to her, also.
    With so much loving appreciation ~ dj

  7. Luann, so sorry to hear about your mom’s passing. I am so glad we were able to reconnect at Mary’s. Mom always looked forward to seeing Lu when they were getting their nails done. You know it was because of your mom that I got my job at the Kilgore center. She was a great lady and I have many find memories of Beverly St. I know she left a big hole to fill in your heart and in your day to day routine. Take care. Ann Paschall

  8. Luann, so sorry to hear about your mom’s passing. I am so glad we were able to reconnect at Mary’s. Mom always looked forward to seeing Lu when they were getting their nails done. You know it was because iof your mom that I got my job at the Kilgore center. She was a great lady and I have many find memories of Beverly St. I know she left a big hole to fill in your heart and in your day to day routine. Take care. Ann Paschall

  9. Luann, I just now got word of Lu’s death. She was such a good friend to me, going back to 1957. I still use her cookie recipe for Christmas cookies. What a good time I had with her when visiting Amarillo a few years ago. Please give my condolences to Peggy and Albert. Joy Dickie

  10. My dear friend LuAnn,

    Rick just passed the news on to me regarding the loss of your sweet wonderful mom. I can’t even begin to share the memories that have played through my mind. From summers, to holidays, to dinners and baking with your mom. Your dad sitting in the Lazy boy in the evenings, to the Christmas tree in the apartment in the back. I love you, your parents and ALL the wonderful childhood memories made on 106 and 103 N. Beverly.

    You are in my prayers…your mom and dad can once again celebrate New Years N. Beverly style with the Rogowskis!

  11. A new chapter for momma lu and the rest of the family as well .she was really a sweet little lady .and to the family john and my very old dear freind liann, my sincere condolences

  12. I loved your sweet Mama. I will miss her sweet smile and beautiful spirit. Peace, love and prayers.
    Patty Payne
    Randy Prock

  13. I met Momma Lu later in her life when my brother-in-law John married Luann. We live in Vermont, so our visits weren’t very frequent, but I always had a great time hanging out with her and listening to her stories. She made me laugh and was blessed with lots of energy. If learning how to enjoy life and make people feel loved was a contest, Momma Lu would have won hands-down ! I already miss her.

  14. We lived next door to Lu and Frank on Brazos Street in a duplex, in 1961. They were awesome. Lu was helpful, as I had a 2yr. Old and 3 mo. Old..she helped our little girl to walk…..we trusted them. Sorry I didnt keep in touch with her. This is a beautiful picture of her.

  15. We have so many memories of Lu. She was always ready for another swim trip. We send love to Luann and family. We celebrate Lu’s going home to heaven. What a party that was.
    Johnny and Phyllis Hicks
    Sheila Hicks Wright
    John Hicks

  16. What a wonderful woman that has set forth an example to live every day by just like her to the fullest, and with so much love and friendship to share with the world three times over. She was a treasure and a blessing to have her in my life!

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