ILENE BAKER

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ILENE BAKER Peacefully, on Sunday, August 8, 2004, at the Beausejour Health Centre, Ilene passed gently into the loving arms of Jesus. Ilene accepted her illness with courage and dignity, and with her typical selflessness, was more concerned about her familys welfare than her own. Ilene is survived by her loving husband of 52 years, Clarence. Also left to cherish her memory are her five children, Corrine (Bill) Armstrong, Debbie (Keith) Litke, Andy (Jan) Baker, Curt Baker and Terry (Lori) Baker. She will be deeply missed by her 11 grandchildren, Maria (Greg) White, Gina and Teresa Armstrong; Colette (Jason) Lindstrom and Jared Litke (Mary) Drew, Reid and Riley Baker; Rhianon and Joel Baker; and Allysa Baker; as well as her two great-grandchildren, Kevin and Nicolette Lindstrom. Ilene is also survived by her beloved brothers and sisters, Irene Steinke, Ted Weidman, Hilda Pfeifer, Herb Weidman, Ken Weidman, as well as numerous brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brother Roy; and two siblings in infancy, Wilhelm and Lillie; as well as several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law. Ilene was born in Friedensfeld, MB to Ferdinand and Emilie Weidman on July 15, 1931. At an early age, her family moved to Glenmoor where she attended school, helped raise her younger siblings, and quit school early to work hard on the family farm. As a young woman, she moved to Winnipeg on her own and worked at various jobs, often returning home bearing gifts for her younger brothers and sisters. One of her many jobs included cooking in the bush camps in the winter, where she caught the eye of a young man by the name of Clarence Baker. Not wasting any time, Clarence proposed a month later and they were married on September 22, 1951. They lived on the Baker homestead in Cromwell and raised their five children, working together to build the family farm. Their home was often the centre of lively gatherings for family and friends, and visitors were always welcome. Ilene was an independent, creative, resourceful woman with a deep inner strength and abiding faith. Her interests included cooking, baking, sewing, gardening, bingo, and later in life, travelling. Her greatest joy was her "Bakers Dozen" of grandchildren, of whom she was extremely proud. Mom has left us with a legacy of inner strength, perseverance, warmth and love. Her memory and teachings will guide us and will live on in our hearts forever. In accordance with Ilenes wishes, cremation has taken place. Prayers will be held at St. Marys Roman Catholic Church, Beausejour on Wednesday, August 11 at 7:30 p.m. Funeral mass will be held on Thursday, August 12 at 10:30 a.m., also at the church. Fr. Owen Steeves presiding. Private family interment. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to North Eastman Palliative Care Program, Beausejour Region, Box 220, Pinawa, MB R0E 1L0. Arrangements entrusted to: SOBERING FUNERAL CHAPEL & CREMATORIUM, Beausejour 268-3510 or MB toll free 1-877-776-2220

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 11, 2004