Carol Lee Baker

Carol Lee (Alvord) Baker, 81, of Newport, died at home with her family by her side November 28, 2017. Born in 1936 in Seattle, she spent most of her childhood and young adulthood in Vancouver, WA, graduating from Vancouver High in 1954. She went to Clark College and Oregon State University, finishing with a masters degree in education. She taught high school for 6 years, meeting Jack Baker at South Salem High, where they both taught. Carol was most happily a homemaker, being mom and wife. Carol enjoyed being with her family, her friends, riding her bike, reading, baking, taking walks with her dogs. She loved spending time at the cabin in Florence. She faithfully watched the Tour de France with her son, Gordon, on TV each year, getting up before 5am to catch the day's rides. A daily event was playing cards with Jack, often winning. She enjoyed needlework, creating many fine pieces; hardanger, knitting, and quilting. She loved yearly trips to Black Butte with family. She loved whales, especially Keiko, and took whale trips with Bruce Mate and her sister, Judy. Carol's mother lived with her and Jack for the last 4 years of Carol's mother's life, which Carol loved. Her quilting group at Atonement was a fun social time for her for many years. She was a member of Atonement Lutheran Church for 44 years, serving as financial secretary for 17 years, on the library committee, and RIC (Reconciling in Christ) committee, which advocated for the full welcome, inclusion, and equity of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) Lutherans in all aspects of the life of their Church, congregations, and community. Atonement adopted the reconciliation in 2010. Mostly she loved and was loved by her family. Her mother and father, Gordon and Daisy (Dyal) Alvord. Her sisters and brothers-in-law, Joan (Jim) Sexson and Judy (Gary) Krenelka. The three Alvord sisters had many, many fun times together for 81 years. Her husband of 55 years, John (Jack to family and friends) Baker, was her forever partner. They laughed a lot together. Her sons, Gordon (Patty) and Larry and daughter Ellen (Otis) Franklin were the beneficiaries of a truly unconditional love and friendship that knew no bounds. Our mom was funny and fun and encouraged and loved us so much. She loved her nephews and nieces very much. She has 7 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren, whom she also took great delight in. Grandson Evan called her Papa Carol when he was little, which she loved. A memorial service will be held on December 30, 2017, at 2pm at Atonement Lutheran Church. All are welcome.

Tributes

Carol Lee Baker

March 19, 1936 - November 28, 2017