Claire Baker Obituary

Claire Ann Parker Brown Baker

Loving Mother, Enduring Faith

December 3, 1953 - July 3, 2025

Claire Ann Parker Brown Baker, beloved mother to Sarah (Illingworth), Emily (Nocton), and Audrey (Eberth), and preceded in death by her daughter Christen Manning Baker, died peacefully in her home, passing into life eternal on Thursday, July 3, 2025. Claire was 71.

Born into a family of love with deep, enduring faith, Claire lived a life of witness to the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Gracious in the abundance of both joy and grief that shaped her earthly journey, Claire freely shared a spirit of hope, strength, and perseverance that both magnified and glorified a light from within. She lived with a radiance that touched lives and a transcendent warmth that welcomed all.

Raised in Bloomington, Indiana as daughter to Bill C. and Patty Brown (d. 2020), sister to Carol, Lisa, and younger brother Daniel (d. 2020), Claire's roots of hospitality and home never left her heart. An unbreakable bond of love spanned from Parker (Dwight "Ossie" Parker d. 1958) and Brown family traditions anchored in Knightstown, Lake Lemon, Lake Shafer, and of course home on Woodscrest Drive and at Patty's Place. Claire was a 1972 graduate of Bloomington High School. She went on to graduate in 1976 from Ohio Wesleyan University where she pursued a degree in Early Childhood Education and served as an active member of the Tri-Delta sorority and campus life.

Formerly married to Bruce Baker, Bruce and Claire made the most loving and joy-filled homes with their daughters in both Darien, Connecticut and London, England. Their married life began together in New York City and later found a firm foundation at Noroton Presbyterian Church in Darien where they raised their family and established Connecticut roots that still stand today. There was Stephen Ministry, Young Life, The Center for Hope, and many other lanes Claire pursued to walk alongside others and live life with both purpose and compassion. She led her familylife with a dynamic drive to share and celebrate the simple joys, God's goodness, and always, the gift of one another. She forged her path with a spirit of optimism and a compass that knew no wrong turn. She made life beautiful.

Though her life and travels took her all around the world, her final years were spent amidst the laughter and love of grandchildren in Indiana. She showed them how to love and embrace the adventure of one day, seizing every opportunity to be together and make a memory that would last for always. Her floral design had a trademark, timeless touch, often found on tables, porches, and gardens, exuding her love of outdoor beauty and gatherings among those whom she cherished. She established the embrace of a home - boundless and built to withstand and live forward. Claire conquered life with style and savvy second-to-none.

Claire is survived by her father and sisters, three daughters and sons-in-law, Sarah (John), Emily (Kenny) and Audrey (Marco), and seven grandchildren, Charlie, Anne, Jack, Peter, Lizzie, Bobby, and Hudson.

A celebration of Claire's life will be held on Wednesday, July 30th, at Second Presbyterian Church in Indianapolis. The family will host a calling at 9:00, followed by an 11:00 funeral in the sanctuary.

In honor of Claire's wisdom and firm confidence in God's sustaining grace, contributions may be made in her name to Noroton Presbyterian Church in Darien, her Connecticut church home, or to Second Presbyterian Church in Indianapolis, her Indiana church home.

Thine is the glory.