This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: marcenath Surnames: Theisen, Bayliss Classification: obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.newmexico.counties.donaana/4263/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Getz Funeral Home 27 April 2010 Erna Bayliss Theisen died at home in Las Cruces on April 25, 2010 under the care of Mesilla Valley Hospice. She was born in 1926 in Schenectady, NY to Ellen Glen Bayliss and Harry Bayliss, who immigrated from Scotland after World War I. Erna met Theodore Theisen, who lived down the block, when they were both 12 years old. They married in 1946, then worked and raised their family in the Albany / Schenectady Capital District. In 1992, the couple retired to Las Cruces. In the early years of her retirement, Erna enjoyed traveling the Southwest with her sister, Martha Bayliss Winn, who had also retired to Las Cruces. Mrs. Winn died in 2002. Even though she was an accomplished business-woman-starting as a night-shift bookkeeper at General Electric, then becoming the Chief Financial Officer of an insurance-industry trade association-Erna's proudest accomplishment was the impact she had on the character of her children and grandchildren, which was profound. Erna is survived by her husband of almost 64 years, Theodore Theisen, and their children: Theodore Theisen III of Southbury CT, Harry L and Lynn Apkarian Theisen of Washington DC, Katie Theisen of Las Cruces NM, Conni Theisen Brown and Steve Brown of Nashville TN. Survivors also include her grandchildren: Mark Theisen and Kelly Theisen of Katy TX, Madison Lewis of Schenectady NY, Brian Lewis of Phoenix AZ, Emily Theisen and Theodore Theisen IV of Las Cruces NM and one great-grandson Jordan Cole Wallace of Katy TX. Other survivors are her brother-in-law George Winn, nephew Russ Winn and his wife Billie Winn also of Las Cruses NM. Erna Enjoyed the arts, music especially, and loved helping young people learn; the family is considering options for a memorial to those passions. Arrangements are through Getz Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mesilla Valley Hospice Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.