OBITUARY

Patty A. Baker

May 7, 1954-October 1, 2020

Patty Baker breathed her last on October 1, 2020 at age 66 in Quilcene, Washington. After a nine month battle with cancer treatment, Patty is free now from that body and at last with her Lord Jesus Christ in Heaven. Her hospice care at home surrounded Patty with the loving care of her husband and her four children, present with her at the time of her death, under a full moon.

Born Patricia Anne French on May 7, 1954 in Seattle to Kay Joseph and Joan Margaret St.Martin French, Patty was the third in a family of 14 children-Mary, Joe, Pat, Dot, Jim, Liz, John, Jerry, Cathy, Margy, Bill, Teresa, Bob, and Jean.

In her childhood, the Frenches moved from Seattle to Kennewick where Patty started school. Her favorite childhood memories included living in West Hurley, New York in the Catskills, and spending summers in Selah, Wash. at her Grandma's apple orchard. After a year in New York State, her family settled in Moscow, Idaho, where she graduated from high school in 1972. Patty's artistic skills led her to begin studies in Art at the University of Idaho.

Surrendering herself to Christ, Patty pursued service work and ministry until meeting Charles Baker, whom she married on May 13, 1978.

While still Patty French, she would have been known in Moscow as one of the counter girls in the Butter Bake Shop at Moscow's Rosauers grocery. When openings were posted for apprenticeships in the bakery, Patty inquired. She was told that only males need apply. Her marriage bypassed that hurdle in an instant. As soon as Patty was kissed as Charlie's bride, she had her promotion to Baker – Patty Baker, and held that title the rest of her life.

The Bakers lived two years in Southern California, having their first two children, then returned to Moscow where two more children joined the Baker family, all four children delivered by Patty at home.

In the early 1980s Patty became a well-known member of the Moscow Food Co-op for her baked goods, especially several varieties of cookies and of scrumptious granola. This reputation resulted in, not only for Patty, yet for her and all the other food co-op members, meaning anyone

in town appearing to be of the 'food co-op' type, to be eponymously known as 'granolas.'

Patty and Charlie Baker moved their family to Quilcene in 1989, and they both worked in the Quilcene Public Schools. Patty taught as a paraprofessional educator in special education with all ages of students. She also worked for several years as a caregiver and house manager in adult group homes through Port Townsend Community Options.

Patty was a beloved wife, mother, and sister. She enjoyed raising her family with her husband, being "Aunty Patty" to her nieces and nephews, and especially spending time with her grandchildren. She had a great love for nature and all creatures great and small (as long as they had no more than four legs). Patty's love of God through faith in Jesus was the cornerstone of the love, joy, and thoughtfulness that she shared with each person in her life.

Patty attributed any giftedness blessing her as evidence of God's grace. She was proud of her students and felt honored to have been a part of the miraculous success aiding every member of the QHS 2019 senior class to graduate. With a heart of endless love for her family, Patty also considered it no sacrifice for her to donate one of her kidneys for her Aunt Sue, Uncle Fred French's wife. Together last year, they celebrated twenty years' success of that surgery. Patty's left kidney-the gift that keeps giving-continues with Aunt Sue in good health to this day.

Patty is survived also by her husband of 42 years, Charles Baker, at their home; her children Tom (Nikki) Baker, Moscow, Idaho; Amalia Baker (David Hendrickson), Sequim, Wash.; Daniel (Hannah) Baker, Moscow, Idaho; and Emilie Baker (Jake Scott), Port Townsend, Wash.; her seven grandchildren-Everlee, Keira and Elijah Baker; Leia and River Baker Hendrickson; Elizabeth Baker; and Valerie Baker Scott, (with two more on the way). Patricia Anne is survived by her mother Joan French of Moscow, and all 13 of her brothers and sisters. She is preceded in death by her grandparents, Fred and Mabel Bernier French of Selah, Gerry and Frances Zimbrick St.Martin of Yakima; her father Kay French of Moscow; and a very special niece, Whitney Baker of Spokane.

The family suggests remembering Patty through contributions to Quilcene Bible Church, Waitsburg Historical Society - Times press, Baker Mudd Nursing Scholarship Fund, or Olympic Music Festival.