Leann Marie (John) Despotes

     Leann Marie Despotes, age 78 of Baileys Harbor, passed away on Thursday, August 22, 2024, at her home.

     Leann was born on December 25, 1945, into the loving arms of the late Otto and Lenora (Brann) John of Baileys Harbor, whom she adored. She was saddened to lose her father after a long struggle with tuberculosis in 1956.

     Leann attended Gibraltar High School, where she enjoyed singing in Glee Club, playing clarinet for the band, and serving as an officer of the Library Club for all four years. She was inducted as a member of the National Honor Society, graduated as salutatorian of the Gibraltar class of 1963 and earned her bachelor's degree in art history from Ripon College in 1967. Leann moved to Chicago after college and worked for the Social Security Administration. She was married from 1968 until 1977, during which time she welcomed the birth of her children, Andrea and Ted.

     Leann enjoyed a distinguished career as an elementary school librarian and teacher within the Chicago Public Schools, spanning over 35 years. While in her first post at the Marshall Upper Grade Center, Leann also earned her Master of Arts in Library Science from Rosary College. Later, at Louis Wirth Experimental School, she was highly regarded as someone who could proficiently lead classes not only in library-related skills, but also in English, mathematics, and social studies. Leann was a proud member of the Chicago Teachers’ Union, serving for many years as a Union Delegate representing her colleagues.  Her career culminated at Lincoln Elementary, where she designed a state-of-the-art library that was the pride of the school. Leann generously shared her expertise with colleagues and cultivated strong research skills and a love of reading among her students.

     Leann was a loving and supportive mother, grandmother, mother-in-law, and aunt. She was smart and witty, a great mentor and friend. Leann was a great listener who could always be counted on for practical, sensible advice, which she delivered with compassion and a sense of humor. She was known for frequently dispensing pearls of wisdom, such as “enough is as good as a feast,” “always go before you leave,” and “just because it could be worse doesn't mean it isn't bad."

     Throughout her adult life, Leann maintained a deep connection to her hometown of Baileys Harbor. She and the kids spent their summers and winter breaks at "Little Grandma’s," creating cherished memories and turning it into a beloved second home along the way.

     Following Leann’s retirement in 2007, she was excited to immerse herself in volunteer projects for her Door County community. She is a Life Member of the Scand Auxiliary and was a dedicated volunteer at Bargains Unlimited for many years. In 2010, Leann became the first President of the Baileys Harbor Historical Society, devoting heart and soul to leading BHHS meetings, overseeing its newsletter, developing its first website, and researching questions from members of the public. She was thrilled to pass the torch into the capable hands of Ann Marie Ott upon her resignation in 2024.

     Leann returned to living full time in Door County in 2021, splitting her time between Baileys Harbor and The Meadows at Scandia Village. She loved her weekend salons with the Baileys Harbor crew, her weekly dinners with Yvonne at the Cornerstone (and other haunts), her Thursday afternoon Zooms with fellow Ripon alums, and spontaneous summer visits with Sig, Carol, and Mary Lou. Conversations in person and by phone with other longtime friends (you know who you are) were equally treasured. Leann's life was immeasurably brightened by her close friendship with Lynn, who was a sister in spirit and provided unwavering companionship and support. Leann was blessed to spend the final years of her life enjoying the warmth of close friends, in addition to frequent loving visits from her children and grandchildren.

     Leann will be greatly missed by family and friends alike. She is survived by her children, Andrea (Neal Rutstein) Despotes and Ted (Rachel Haught) Despotes; grandchildren, Tess, Julian, Laila and August; siblings-in-law, Theodore and Joanne Despotes; and nephew and niece, Jonathan and Allison Despotes-Tourdot.  Leann was preceded in death by her parents.

     A memorial service to honor Leann's life will be held at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Baileys Harbor, at 11 a.m. on October 5, 2024, with visitation preceding the service at 9 a.m. The service will be live streamed over Facebook, and there are plans for a memorial service in Chicago in the near future.  Memorial donations may be made in honor of Leann to the Baileys Harbor Historical Society or The McArdle Library (Baileys Harbor).

     Expressions of sympathy and memories of Leann may be shared with her family through her tribute page at www.caspersonfuneralhome.com. 

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