Marie-Elena Baker

Marie-Elena Baker was a wonderful mother, wife, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. After being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer over a year ago, she fought courageously and defied all expectations of her prognosis. She finally succumbed to her illness on April 14th, 2023, surrounded by her three sons.

She was born in Honolulu, Hawaii on September 27th, 1949 to Anna Marie and LCDR Edward F. McCann. After her father's retirement, they relocated to Bainbridge Island her freshman year of high school. Lovingly referred to as 'Laina' by her friends, she was the first Rotary foreign exchange student to South Africa in 1967 and later studied music & drama in London.

While abroad, she went to visit one of her brother's in England, but her quick trip turned into a much longer stay when she met the love of her life, MSGT Richard Baker. They loved each other so much, and being in England, they had to get married twice to be recognized by the UK and USA; once on February 4th, and then again on February 14th, 1970. She became a very proud military spouse. After they had their three boys, Richard II, Michael & John-Paul, they returned to the states and eventually settled back on Bainbridge where she worked for the school system in their libraries.

Marie-Elena's talent for music, guitar playing, singing, sewing and crafting was exceptional. She spent much of her time mastering skills from lace-making to quilting to costuming, just to name a few. Her creativity was boundless and she was always thrilled to share her creations with others.

She had a passion for theater which landed her in the costume shop of many theaters, most notably for Bainbridge High School and locally for Bainbridge Performing Arts. Behind the scenes of both programs, she was lovingly referred to as 'Ma Baker,' as she had become a mother figure to many who worked on and off the stage.

Her legacy is one of great generosity and kindness. Marie-Elena/Mom/Grammie/Aunt/Laina/Ma will be forever remembered by her children, Richard II, Michael, & John-Paul, her children-in-law, Jennifer & Jessica, and her grandchildren Savannah, Richard 'Trip' III, Mackenzie, & Charlotte. She leaves behind her brothers Michael and Edward and their spouses and children, her family-in-law in Sebring, FL and is predeceased by her brother Robert. She will be deeply missed by her family and her countless friends and students. But most especially, she is at long last reunited in heaven with her husband 'Rick' whom she held in her heart and soul every day since his passing in 1998.

Funeral service will be held at St Cecilia Catholic Church on Bainbridge Island on June 6th, 2023 at 11:00 am with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers please send a donation to Arms Around Bainbridge: 

Arms Around Bainbridge, PO Box 10085, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110. armsaroundbainbridge.org.