Obituary for Jean Baker
Jean died in her sleep, surrounded by her family, on March 22, 2020 at the age of 103. She was born Edith Jean McIntyre on October 21, 1916, the youngest of six children. Her early years were spent on the family farm near Peterson, Saskatchewan. Jean attended the Red Willow Country School until grade 8; this was followed by high school in Meacham. Post-high school, Jean took a hairdressing course in Saskatoon, after which she spent some time in Bladworth taking care of the twin children of her brother following the untimely death of the twins’ mother at a young age. It was here that she met her future husband, Jeffrey Milburn Baker. Jean and Jeff were married in 1942 while Jeff was serving in the RCAF. Following the war, Jeff obtained his journeyman carpenter license and the two of them moved to Watrous. Jeff had a construction company, and also established a shop for carpentry and cabinet making, which was his main interest. While in Watrous, Jean taught Sunday School for many years and also took part in the activities of the United Church Women (UCW) and other organizations such as the Watrous Art Guild and the Horticultural Society.
After Jeff's death in 1977, Jean continued to live in Watrous in the home that Jeff had built. An exceptional gardener, Jean spent summer days, from early morning to evening, tending her yard and flower garden. She also kept an extensive vegetable garden and a raspberry patch that kept family and friends well supplied with fresh produce and jam. During “non-gardening” months, Jean spent her time socializing with her many friends, reading, rug making and knitting. She was an avid fan of curling and of the Toronto Blue Jays. She spent her 80th birthday cheering on the Blue Jays at the Sky Dome in Toronto.
In 2014, shortly after her 98th birthday, Jean moved from the home she had lived in for almost 70 years to Precious Memories Villa in Regina to be closer to her family. Jean is survived by her daughter Margaret (Lorne Boyle), grandchildren Stephanie and Spencer Boyle and son Glen Baker (Judith). A celebration of her life will be held in Watrous at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the CNIB or Watrous United Church.
After Jeff's death in 1977, Jean continued to live in Watrous in the home that Jeff had built. An exceptional gardener, Jean spent summer days, from early morning to evening, tending her yard and flower garden. She also kept an extensive vegetable garden and a raspberry patch that kept family and friends well supplied with fresh produce and jam. During “non-gardening” months, Jean spent her time socializing with her many friends, reading, rug making and knitting. She was an avid fan of curling and of the Toronto Blue Jays. She spent her 80th birthday cheering on the Blue Jays at the Sky Dome in Toronto.
In 2014, shortly after her 98th birthday, Jean moved from the home she had lived in for almost 70 years to Precious Memories Villa in Regina to be closer to her family. Jean is survived by her daughter Margaret (Lorne Boyle), grandchildren Stephanie and Spencer Boyle and son Glen Baker (Judith). A celebration of her life will be held in Watrous at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the CNIB or Watrous United Church.