Mary Baker Obituary

Mary E. Baker of Colorado Springs, Colorado, formerly of Grand Junction, passed away on November 17, 2005 at the age of 89, the result of a sudden illness. She was born in Horicon, Wisconsin, September 14, 1916. She was the daughter of George and Theresa (Sarvas) Eberling. Her parents, brother John Eberling of Las Vegas, Nevada and sister Ann Jerome of Beloit Wisconsin preceded her in death. Mary had a nearly sixty five year marriage to Robert G. Baker until his passing on January 2, 2004. Their marriage produced three children Robert G. Baker, Jr. (spouse Carol) of Colorado Springs; John T. Baker (spouse Jane) of Denver; and daughter Susan Baker Wilder of Grand Junction, who predeceased her. Mary was a special inspiration and role model for her family. She will be lovingly missed by Bob and Carol, John and Jane; five grandchildren, Reid, Marci, David, Jessica, and Emily as well as by great grand children Tyler, Josh, Molli, Patrick and Stacia. A sixth grandchild Jennifer Baker predeceased Mary. Mary's life for almost 65 years was consumed in running the household while Bob was working through his long and successful career with Public Service Company of Colorado, now Xcel Energy. During those years she was the "general manager" of the Baker household which involved the busy lives of her children. Always she was the special advocate for her children at sporting events, church ceremonies, academic recognitions and musical concerts. Her life with Bob also involved many activities in the community such as the local Chamber of Commerce, Optimist Club and the National Junior College Baseball Tournament when they extended themselves as hosts to the visiting teams. After Bob retired in 1979 the two best friends were able to take dream of a lifetime trips to Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii (15 years in a row) and all parts of Colorado. One of Mary's favorite pursuits has been reading; she was a founding member of the Beuclaire Book Club – a group of twenty four women who for forty plus years have read and reviewed a book of interest. The organization fostered wonderful friendships among the members as well as a social outlet for each member. Throughout the years the club was a source of mutual support for those who were in such need. Mary had a great love for her God and her church, Immaculate Heart of Mary parish in Grand Junction where she shared generously of her time, talent and treasure. Saturday afternoon mass was a special time for her; she greatly appreciated the services and relished in socializing with her many friends at the church. Those special friends at church were so important to her after the passing of Bob in early 2004. Mary decided in May of 2005 to move to the eastern slope of Colorado, Colorado Springs, to be near family there and in Denver. She moved into a wonderful facility, Viewpoint Retirement Center in June of 2005. She immediately became a mainstream participant in all the center had to offer socially, educationally and physically. Until the day before her passing she was walking a mile each day and participating in supervised exercise sessions – she loved the active life and was so thankful she could participate. Many new friendships were formed. She also loved being near to family, the many visits, dining outs and social occasions. She had, since moving to Colorado Springs becomes a member of Saint Francis of Assisi Parish in Colorado Springs. A memorial mass is planned in Grand Junction on January 7, 2006 at 1:00 p.m. Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic church. Should one feel moved to give a memorial gift in Mary's name please do so to Goodwill Industries of Colorado Springs Foundation, P.O. Box 6300, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80934-6300.