Joanne Bartlett Obituary: In Loving Memory of a Lifelong Educator and Leader – Baltimore, MD

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — The Baltimore community mourns the loss of Joanne Passano Bartlett, a beloved educator, mentor, and leader who passed away peacefully on November 7, 2025, at her home in Owings Mills, Maryland. She was 64 years old and was lovingly cared for by her devoted husband, Chris Bartlett, and their two children, Elizabeth Brown and Nicholas Bartlett.

A Lifelong Commitment to Education

Born on March 21, 1961, Joanne Bartlett dedicated her life to education and service. Her academic journey began at the Gibson Island Country School, and later continued at the Madeira School in McLean, Virginia, where she demonstrated early leadership as President of the Student Body.

During her college years at Denison University in Granville, Ohio, Joanne met her husband, Chris. There, she was not only a scholar but also a standout athlete, lettering in varsity lacrosse and serving as team captain for field hockey.

Joanne began her professional career as a teacher and coach at Severn School, before earning a Master of Education from Loyola University Maryland. Her passion for student success led her to serve at St. Paul’s School for Girls for a decade, where she worked as both a college counselor and admissions director. She later became certified to tutor students with dyslexia at the Odyssey School, helping children overcome learning challenges with patience and compassion.

A Visionary Leader at St. Paul’s Schools

Perhaps Joanne’s most significant contribution to education came through her leadership at St. Paul’s School for Girls, where she served as both a board member and board president. She played a pivotal role in the unification of The St. Paul’s Schools, a complex initiative that harmonized the operations of the boys’ and girls’ schools under a unified administration—while preserving their distinct, single-sex identities.

Joanne’s diplomacy, dedication, and visionary leadership were instrumental in the success of the merger, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to strengthen the St. Paul’s community today.

A Life Filled with Love, Family, and Creativity

To her family and friends, Joanne was the heart of every gathering. Known for her warm hospitality and her signature “long Addington goodbye,” she made everyone feel welcome and valued. She poured her love into handmade gifts, creating personalized needlepoint rocking chairs for nieces, nephews, and grandchildren, and countless Christmas ornaments that filled her family’s trees with memories.

Joanne shared a special bond with her daughter, Elizabeth, through their mutual love of needlepoint. Her creativity and warmth extended to all areas of her life, enriching the lives of those who knew her.

Passion for Sports and Adventure

A lifelong athlete, Joanne excelled in tennis, winning multiple Silver Cup titles in both singles and doubles. Even when health challenges limited her ability to compete, she embraced new passions, notably golf, which became a cherished hobby. She enjoyed traveling with friends to play at courses around the world, and she especially treasured rounds with Chris and their son, Nicholas.

The Bartletts raised their family in Baltimore, later moving to New Canaan, Connecticut, in 2006 before returning home to Maryland in 2013. They also spent treasured time together at their residences in Gibson Island and Kiawah, South Carolina.

Honoring a Legacy of Love and Learning

Joanne is survived by her husband, Chris Bartlett, Partner at Brown Advisory; her daughter, Elizabeth B. Brown, and son-in-law Grason; her grandsons, Wesley and Russell; her son, Nicholas, and daughter-in-law Beatrix; her father, William Moore Passano Jr.; and her three siblings.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at St. Christopher by the Sea on Gibson Island, Maryland. Overflow seating will be available at the Gibson Island Club, where the service will also be livestreamed.

In tribute to Joanne’s lifelong dedication to education, the Bartlett Family has established the Joanne P. Bartlett Endowed Scholarship Fund. This fund will provide four-year scholarships for incoming freshmen at St. Paul’s School for Boys and St. Paul’s School for Girls who demonstrate passion for the arts or athletics, strong leadership, and a commitment to community—values that Joanne embodied throughout her life.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the scholarship fund by contacting the St. Paul’s Development Office.