Clairette Joan Skinner Bakken was born on January 24, 1936 in Colorado Springs to Clarence “Joe” and Maurine “Peggy” (Smith) Skinner. Joan had the distinction of having ancestors that arrived on the Mayflower in 1620 and on the Fortune in 1621. She was a dedicated Westsider whose family had lived there since the 1890s. She attended Buena Vista Elementary, West Junior and Colorado Springs Main High Schools. She graduated from Colorado State College of Education, now UNC. 

She fell in love with Duane “Ole” Bakken while attending Colorado State and the pair was later married on July 5, 1958. They celebrated 67 years together this year. She taught public schools in Biloxi, MS and Greeley, CO before starting her family. Joan and Ole were blessed with three sons: Kurt, Kevin, and Erling. She was an adoring mother and grandmother.

After her children were grown, she worked in the special education programs at North Junior High School. She was recognized for a life-saving act at North Junior by the Board of Education in 1995.

During retirement she became the "Flower Lady" of Pleasant Street, known for her floral displays in her yard throughout the seasons. She was also a Charter Member of Fjellheim Lodge of Sons of Norway and gave people the same gentle, kind, and loving care she gave her flowers. She is survived by her three sons, Kurt, Kevin, and Erling; grandchildren, Arielle, Amber, Mitchell, Blake, Terrell, and Spencer; her sister Carol Blevins; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents Joe and Peggy Skinner and husband Ole Bakken. She was the wind beneath our wings.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Sons of Norway, 1045 Ford Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80915

Services for Clairette will take place Friday, February 6, 2026 with a 9:30 am burial at Evergreen Cemetery and a celebration of life to follow at 12:30 pm that same day the The Springs Funeral Services Platte Chapel.