Carolyn H. Baker

Carolyn is at peace as she passed away June 16, 2017. She was born March 17, 1943, to Rudolf and Grace (Jennings) Heinsohn in Oceanside, LI, NY. She lived in Rockville Centre, LI, NY, until she graduated from High School. She attended Baldwin Public Schools from kindergarten through the twelfth grade. Carolyn attended Church of the Ascension Episcopal Church and spent many days at Jones Beach.

She came to Michigan in 1961 as a Freshman at Michigan State University. She went on to earn her Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Educational Specialist Degrees from Michigan State University. Carolyn was a Spartan through and through. Carolyn, and her husband John, enjoyed going to Michigan State football, hockey, and women’s basketball games. She was also a member of the Downtown Coaches Club, MSU Blue Line Club, and the MSU Fast Break Club. They spent many a summer night watching Lansing Lugnuts games too.

Carolyn taught in the Lansing School District for 40 years. She also worked for Michigan State University specializing in teacher preparation through the Teacher Corps program. Carolyn enjoyed watching her children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events, music concerts, and Fall marching bands. Four Foreign Exchange students found their new homes with the Bakers. Carolyn and her family hosted students from Germany, Finland, and the Netherlands. Traveling and sharing stories of different places brought great joy to Carolyn. Carolyn and John enjoyed their time in Fort Myers Beach, Florida; Tucson, Arizona; Alaska; and Hawaii. As a teen she traveled with her parents to Hawaii, Europe and Bermuda. Be it a simple fall color and apple picking trip or numerous bus trips to MSU hockey games: if she had the time, she wanted to travel. Stays in the fall at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island were another favorite.

The strong friendships of her four college roommates led to further travels each year as they talked, laughed, and shopped! Her love of music and theater brought her much enjoyment. Carolyn also served her Lord at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church in Lansing, Michigan. She served on the vestry and as the Altar Guild Directress. She had a true love for animals. Throughout her life she had 9 dogs and 1 cat. Curly was the last “four-legged” companion of John and Carolyn.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, John Phillips Baker. She is survived by her children, John Phillips (Barbara) Baker Jr., and Margaret (Scott) Weber; 4 grandchildren: Anna Baker, John Phillips Baker III, Allison Weber, and Marshall Weber. Carolyn is also survived by her brother, Dr. Robert J. (Dr. Anne) Heinsohn and her sister, Audrey (Dr. Richard) Hillsley; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. The family expresses their gratitude for the compassionate care of Dr. Kristin Gaumer, MSU Family Physicians, Sparrow Oncology, and Eaton Community Palliative Care.

The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 28, 2017, at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, 6500 Amwood Dr., Lansing, MI. The family will receive friends from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. on Tuesday at the Estes-Leadley Holt/Delhi Chapel. Memorial contributions can be made to: American Lung Association, St. Michael’s Episcopal Church Lansing, Eaton Community Palliative Care, and the Capital Area Humane Society.