Obituary of KATHLEEN BAKER

KATHLEEN BAKER (PICKERING) At 99 years of age, Kay quietly passed away on October 25 at Golden West Centennial Lodge, with family by her side. Kay was born on March 15, 1915 and grew up in the Winnipeg area of Weston, where she lived until she married in 1947. Her parents were Ellen and Percy Pickering, and she was raised with her older brothers Tom and Harry, and her younger sister Margaret, or Peggy, who died at only five years old. Kay worked as a comptometer operator for CN Railways where she met Fred Baker. They married on June 7, 1947 and moved into their new home on Bannatyne Ave., where Kay remained for almost 60 years. They were blessed with three children - Brenda, Judy, and Dan. They enjoyed happy years at home, at Kay’s family’s cottage at Loni Beach, and on numerous road trips. Fred died suddenly in November 1964, and Kay was left to raise her children who were only 13, 11 and 8 years old. Her strong and independent nature saw her through the next years. She not only raised her children but was very involved with Fred’s elderly mother and his sisters, and with her own parents as they became more dependent upon her help. In 1968 she bought a cottage at Winnipeg Beach for the family. It was the site of many good times, and a haven that was only an hour away. After Brenda, Judy and Dan each married and had families, she enjoyed her grandchildren very much. She had a great sense of humour and fun. Her home was a comfortable, welcoming, and always casual place where anyone was welcome to drop in for tea and baked treats. Butter tarts were her specialty. Kay is survived by: daughter Brenda (Wally) Serger, grandson Chris (Lucille), granddaughter Bronwen (Chris) Kelley and great-granddaughter Brynn; daughter Judy (Rocky) Lodwick, granddaughter Blythe and grandsons Andrew (Melissa Maskus) and Ian; son Dan (Susan), granddaughters Dana (Kristian Andres) and Kendra (Brett) Stewart and great-granddaughter Keightley. She also leaves one niece and three nephews, Sharon Fox, Al (Helen), Don (Louise), and Ken (Diane) Pickering and their families. She was a wonderful daughter, wife, mother, grand and great-grandmother, friend and neighbour. Throughout her life she was usually looking after someone. She had time for people, and her help and hospitality could always be counted on. She was humble, but strong, independent and resourceful. She leaves us with many great memories. The family extends its warmest thanks to the 2nd floor staff at Golden West Centennial Lodge for their wonderful care of Kay through her last several years. Cremation and a family celebration of Kay’s life and interment have taken place. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to CancerCare Manitoba, 675 McDermot Ave., Wpg. R3E 0V9, or a charity of your choice.