This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: Baker, Emery, Duranceau, Mc Cunn Classification: Obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/an/2EC.2ACE/3223 Message Board Post: Dear Family and Friends The judgment of the deceased is in the hands of the creator. However, our thoughts will in some way make us feel better or worse about a loved one that has passed on. The obvious affection that Kathleen Rose, Baker evoked amongst her friends and family has been a true testament to the love they felt for her. She was cognizant of everything until just before her passing. After saying her goodbyes on August 7th 2006, she began to sleep. It was obvious to experienced family members that the end was very close. At 4:47 on August 7th, under the tender care of her daughters, Karen and Maureen, she slipped away. The attendance of her family and generations of her descendants, gathered on short notice, was truly inspiring. They gathered and talked about their memories of Kathleen Rose Baker. Though the situation was serious, the children could not help but reflect the joy and love that she had cheerfully dispensed in generous proportions, along with good practical advice. Karen had been a big help to Kathleen during these last years, especially after many medical difficulties, she cooked and cleaned while Scott maintained the property and ran many errands on a daily basis. Maureen came in and worked with the others as well as maintaining her regular job. Maureen always brought the latest news about the family and kept Kathleen involved in things outside the home. Ronny did most of Kathleen's computer research, conducted maintenance and ran errands as well, before Denny passed on he chipped in as best he could considering his difficult situation, between all of them the place began to! take on a familiar tone and warm ambiance, Kathleen still in charge of course. Judy's daughter Nicole had recently been baptized and that had brought much joy to Kathleen. In fact every time someone visited, especially Kathleen's grandchildren, she could hardly contain her happiness. Our older sister Kathleen was unselfish and loving, like her other two sisters Colleen and Mary Alice, she was also a great cook and hard worker, a veritable dynamo. Kathleen was also organized, thoughtful and considerate and it was great hearing the sisters working together, they were constantly telling amusing stories and cracking up with laughter. Sometimes us kids really didn't understand the stories they were talking about but it didn't make much difference that laughter was infectious and us kids walked around most times with big smiles on our faces and happiness in our hearts. When Kathleen met Stan Baker she seemed so very happy and introduced Stan to us, Stan seemed a little reserved and on the quiet side. Stan was just one of those fellows who never used more words than necessary to state an opinion. He was as smart as they come and had fascinating hobbies, cars were one of his great loves, the other was his knowledge of weapons. Stan was also an innovator and inventor. I don't think his mind ever quit working. One thing we believed for sure, he loved our big sister and he showed it with all the courtesy, respect, and loving attention every man should focus on his wife. We were very happy for our sister Kathleen and Stan. Her passing had at first caused many of us to feel depressed and confused, a normal condition when a close loved one has passed away. It wasn't long though before the wonderful memories of her kindness and oft expressed love for her family began to gain ascendancy over the dark tapestry of loneliness and despair. Many of you searched the scriptures looking for comfort and found joy and optimism. It was refreshing to hear comments like, Grandma has no more pain or any suffering, she is free from this earthly condition. No one can ever hurt her again or make her feel sad. The relief felt when Kathleen passed away was palpable to those who had watched her struggle with her extremely painful and at times confused condition. Her only relief was in a medicated state and the ultimate result would be a prolonging of her, life under conditions that she considered unacceptable. None of us realized at the time just how soon the end would come. On one last visit to the hospital she made it clear that no further extensive efforts were to be used in prolonging her life, she had made up her mind. Everyone acquiesced and the family was determined to make her last days, weeks or months comfortable. Death was just hours away. Hospice was involved and they notified the family that without hospital treatments there were only hours left, it was a scramble but the word was spread as fast as possible. Little Kayla was going to bring Kathleen a large sunflower that she had grown herself, but being in a hurry to get to grandmas’ she forgot to bring it, When her mother gently asked what she was going to do about forgetting the sunflower, Kayla responded, "that's okay Mom, Grandma is my sunflower." At this time maybe we can best remember her by respecting her wishes, that we all continue to exhibit the same Christian love and affection for each other that she so readily displayed for us. If you're feeling a little down I bet you can remember something she did or said that put a huge smile on you face. When you park that smile there, share it, spread it around. When we gather to honor her, do it with a bright happy face and lots of loving hugs, shaking hands is fine but in this family hugs are very important. When we gather, don't be afraid to laugh out loud and say "I Love You.” Go ahead, say it again and again. Kathleen will be so proud of you, let's give her a proper memorial, chock full of that great elixir for all ailments, unconditional Christian love. It's going to be a beautiful day, let's go over to 11340 Corliss Ave North, here in Seattle, and enjoy each others company as we celebrate the life, times and memories of Kathleen Rose Baker! Written by Kathleen’s brother, Thomas Emery Note: Kathleen Rose Emery Duranceau Baker was the daughter of Charles B. Emery and Mary Charlotte Mc Cunn. She was born in Brokaw, Marathon County, Wisconsin on April 30, 1924 and died on August 7, 2006 in Seattle, Washington