Dr. Sally T. Baden

She was born in Cleveland, Ohio on November 21st,1942 and grew up in Cleveland Heights, Ohio.

Sally graduated from Cleveland Heights High School in 1961. She met Roger Baden in a summer school German class at John Carroll University in 1967. They were married on August 10th, 1968 and blissfully enjoyed their instant family consisting of 5-year-old John and 3-year-old Amanda, both from Sally’s previous marriage. Sally and Roger were fortunate to recently celebrate their 57th year of marriage.

After son Curtis was born in 1973 to complete the family, Sally earned her real estate license and sold homes for a few years with moderate success. When Curtis was older and more independent, she decided to return to school to earn the long- postponed degree. In 1982, Sally earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at Cleveland State University and then she made the big decision that shaped her life for many years. She accepted the challenge and was “grudgingly” accepted as the only grandmother at Case Western Reserve Dental school in 1982. For 4 tough years, Sally worked very hard and in 1986 she graduated with her DDS and MS and officially became DR. SAL.

Never the slouch, Sally embarked on dual career of practicing dentistry 2 ½ days per week in downtown Cleveland and teaching both dental histology and dental anatomy 2 ½ days at the dental school. In later years, she became the director of the Admitting Clinic for new patients. After enduring several years of arthritis and numerous surgeries, she retired from her dental practice. In 2011, she retired from the dental school and was awarded Emerita status.

For several years, Sally was active in the community. She volunteered as dental director for the free clinic. She helped create and organize a group of dedicated dental students who all travelled to the Dominican Republic each year to establish a dental clinic for the underprivileged. While the kids were younger, she was active in PTA, Cub Scouts and as a Brownie and Girl Scout leader. In retirement she never stopped, she became very active in the Rotary Club of Shaker Heights. In her “spare” time, she took art classes at Cuyahoga County Community College and became an excellent painter and printmaker. Sally was also an accomplished self-taught gardener, and Amanda is continuing her tradition with skill.

Sally was preceded in death by her father; Harold G. Telford Jr. and mother; Dorothy Clark Telford.

She is survived by her husband; Roger A. Baden. Her children; son; John (Kathleen) Baden of Chesterland, OH. Daughter; Amanda Bykowski of Lyndhurst, OH and son; Curtis Baden of South Euclid, OH. Her brother; Robert (Vicki) Telford of Winston, NC. Granddaughter; Brandy Toth and grandsons; John (Bud) Bykowski, Seamus (Jennifer) Baden, Tim Baden and Ryan Baden. Also, 4 ½ great-grandchildren and numerous special nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family would like to thank the numerous terrific caregivers from Windsor Heights Assisted Living & Memory Care of Beachwood where Sally spent the last 10 months of her life; specifically, the following: Tanasha Ellis, Dianne Gaitais, Joann Walker and Shameica Brown. We also share special gratitude to the wonderful people from Miracle City Hospice care, specifically: Tara Lagnese and Katrina Gardner who were with Sally from beginning to end.

Our fondest memories include: our Alaska cruise, the exciting trips in our 40ft motor home to the Florida Everglades, New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, Idaho, Montana and South Dakota. We also enjoyed all the wonderful trips with Jim and Joyce to: Montreal, Chicago, Scotland, Seattle, Vancouver Island, Nice, Paris, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, the Big Island of Hawaii, Oahu, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Chautauqua.

A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, August 28th,2025 at Windsor Heights Memory Care facility, 23311 Harvard Rd. Beachwood, OH 44122. Visitation will be from 2PM-4PM. Please dress casually and wear bright colors.