Hanna C. Baker
June 24, 1947 - October 19, 2013
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Hanna C. Baker
June 24, 1947 - October 19, 2013
Obituary
Hanna C. Baker, 66, died suddenly in her home on October 19, 2013. Hanna recently retired as a Special Education Instructor at Melinda Heights Elementary after 26 years of giving hope and love to children challenged by the traditional education system. Hanna grew up in Lafayette Louisiana with her two brothers. She loved to go fishing and frogging with her Dad and sewed for her mother, making many of her dresses. Hanna was a warm and caring person who put others before her own needs. While living in Tampa Florida she spent 6 weeks caring for her father at the Veterans hospital in New Orleans in his final weeks. She was The Vice president of the Rock Springs Chapter of the YWCA. Her life was a shining example to those with physical challenges as she led an active and adventurous life with Rheumatoid Arthritis for over fifty years. Hanna was first and foremost a loving and giving mother, grandmother and wife. She worked from the age of 16. Beginning with her job at Girard park public swimming pool where she met and fell in love with her husband Bill. During her life she was a secretary to the Maryland State Fire Marshall and the legal secretary to Congressman Sam Gibbons of Tampa Florida and the Assistant Personnel Director at the hospital in Rock Springs Wyoming. She found her final career choice while volunteering as a tutor for her daughter’s elementary school (St. Catherine’s). Hanna was an avid camper and was always looking forward to the next adventure. She took her daughter camping in the Smoky Mountains when Cara was only 4 months old and this summer she took both Grand Children Christian and Savannah camping to Big Sur California. Between those two events she rarely slowed down. When faced with decisions in her life she always opted for the active, adventuresome, fun, joyous and full of life options.
She is survived by her husband of 45 years of marriage, Bill. Her Daughter, Cara Hopkins, Son-in-law Jeff and Two beautiful Grand Children Christian and Savannah. Also surviving her, are her Brothers Tom Cormier and family of Seattle, Washington and Adam Cormier and family of Dayton Ohio. Additionally she is survived by nine nieces and nephews and over fifteen Grand nephews and Grand nieces.
A memorial service will be conducted on October 27th at 10am at the O’Connor Mortuary at 25301 Alicia Pkwy, Laguna Hills, CA 92653. In lieu of flowers her family asks that everyone make a donation of either the Arthritis foundation or the Louisiana Orphan Train Society, Inc., 610 Garland Ave., Opelousas, LA 70570.
8 responses to Hanna C. Baker
Laurel Lewellen says:
October 23, 2013
Blessings to the Baker, Hopkins and Cormier families. Hanna was an inspiration to all in her cheerfulness, her enthusiasm, her encouragement and her willingness to keep on keeping on, in spite of her illness and debilitating arthritis through all of her adult life. Hanna will be missed.
Laurel Lewellen
Linda Baker Warrick says:
October 23, 2013
This sweet lady was the wife of my first cousin, Bill. I only met her a few times, but I wish we had lived closer, so I could have known her better. She sounds like someone I would have grown to love.
Love and prayers to Bill and the children. They will have so many special memories.
wendy Farrington says:
October 23, 2013
So sorry to hear of the loss of this beautiful life. Every time we saw her she had the biggest, kindest and sweetest smile on her face. My girls Holly and Lauren loved hearing the stories she would tell of her growing up and all the fun times she had. She will be greatly missed. Lots of love your way. Love, Kevin and Wendy Farrington.
Karen Baker Farrington says:
October 24, 2013
My dear brother Bill, niece Cara, Jeff, Christian, Savannah, Tommy and Adam, Hanna was the best sister anyone could have. Oh, The memories we shared for 45 years will always be with me. Hanna lived her life full out, with lots of passion, never giving up hope, or giving into life’s hurdles or pit falls. She was always there for me with an open heart and a soft word. She was my rock. Her physical presence in our lives will be sadly missed but her inspiration will follow us always. I so wish I could be with you all at this difficult time but I know you understand the circumstances. My heart aches for you Bill, I know what you are going through and I will be there for all of you, always. Your loving sister, Karen Baker Farrington
Trudy Dunn says:
October 24, 2013
I was very fortunate to have worked with Hanna years ago and we quickly became very good friends. There are few who could compare to Hanna’s graciousness, her kindness, her inspiration and passion for life. I will never forget her beautiful smile and our countless conversations. Bill, I know you are surrounded by the love of many. May your memories of Hanna give you comfort.
Trudy Dunn